Rattle from the rear???

[Mulcheese]

This spring when I pull the van out of hibernation I will do the usual maintenance. One issue that I feel is in need of attention is a rattle that I have had for years.

I best describe it as gravel in the hub caps. No it is not gravel in the caps, I did check. I notice it when I am in an area that I can get an echo from ( parking ramp, mnt roads along bluffs........). It is only present when coasting. If I give it the slightest bit of gas, added torque, it goes away. Because of this torque constant I believe that it is drive train related.

Some time ago when I had the tranny out I did a visual inspection of the cv's and all checked out good. I did check them for any excessive play and all was tight. What inspection I was able to do on the tranny was rotate via flange, in all gears, and all seemed smooth and quiet.
I do not recall if this happens in gear or if it can be heard in neutral. If it was only in gear I would suspect transmission internals. Would this be a correct assumtion? Rear wheel bearing seemed tight and smooth when wheel is lifted and spun.

What should I look into first?

82 Vanagon
manual
2 ltr.

[Amskeptic]

T
rattle that I have had for years.
gravel in the hub caps.
only present when coasting.
visual inspection of the cv's all checked out good.
Rear wheel bearing seemed tight and smooth when wheel is lifted and spun.
What should I look into first?

Am I really the first response, almost two weeks later? That is unacceptable. That is how forums die.

Bearings are difficult to assess, because they can check out when not under the load of a vehicle's weight. If it is a bearing, you need to drive it until the symptoms worsen to the extent that it is incontrovertible.
Try also a lateral load test by swerving from side to side while coasting.
Try a spin test with the handbrake slightly applied, and listen for any brake hardware catching along the drum's rotation.
Get back to us . . . unless you have already sold the Vanagon, finished your new degree, moved to New Zealand, and are now a stand-up in Auckland.
Colin

[Mulcheese]

I don't suspect brakes because that would need to be a more consistent sound. The sound is a much slower frequency than the revolutions and it occurs at a variable rate. I was originally thinking something rubbing but with the slightest applied torque and the sound is absent. If rubbing I would think it would still be heard.

Thanks Colin I will try your suggested test as soon as the van emerges from its winter hibernation, in hopefully 2-3 weeks.