Is this normal ?

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT OR AXLE, IT GOES HERE.

Topic author
Vanboozin
I am smitten with my van
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:41 pm
Location: Gibsons B.C.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by Vanboozin »

Went to Pats Driveline this morning, filled them in on the van, the fellow helping me out was friendly, he listened when i spoke and was very polite, he took the van out on the highway and was back at the shop in about 15 mins, first thing he said was he has owned lots of astro vans and the vibration i was concerned about was nothing to worry about and to just monitor it, if it gets worse then come back, he put it on tbe hoist greased up the u-joints a little, checked the weights on the drive
Shaft and said he chased a vibration similar to mine once and the only thing that helped was going to an aluminum drive shaft but shook his head and said not to bother and that my van is smooth as far as astro safari vans go.
Gave me my keys and said don't worry so much and enjoy your van.
There was no charge

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Sounds like a great shop to keep in mind! Not too many will spend time like that and not recommend a repair. Just turn the radio up louder...that's what I do in my van. It has a rear axle gear noise that starts about 55 mph.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
User avatar

doyoulikeithere
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 2060
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by doyoulikeithere »

Gibsons is a really small town, Thats the best place to find an honest and polite mechanic.
Seems, Word of mouth and reputation carry more weight in a small town than in a metroplolis.

I'm on my 4th astro now, and I am convinced its just an astro thing. They all did it a bit.
I'm still not sure if its the driveshaft, pinion, ujoint, wheelbalance, or the exhaust system vibrating.
I've chased all of the above but eventually just turned up the radio.
It still bugs me , I would like it to be silky smooth, but I have to remind myself, it just isnt a Rolls.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
User avatar

MountainManJoe
Sheriff
Sheriff
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 3243
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:55 pm
Location: The Pacific North Wet

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by MountainManJoe »

Mine's been pretty smooth before and after the lift. I am starting to hear a very faint whine while coasting though.
User avatar

doyoulikeithere
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 2060
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by doyoulikeithere »

timelessbeing wrote:Mine's been pretty smooth before and after the lift. I am starting to hear a very faint whine while coasting though.
Of my 4 astro's the lowest milage at purchase was 190000 Kilometers, and they all drove into the high 350000 range. its the ones with more than about 275000 that seemed to make noise, for me.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.

Topic author
Vanboozin
I am smitten with my van
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:41 pm
Location: Gibsons B.C.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by Vanboozin »

doyoulikeithere wrote:Gibsons is a really small town, Thats the best place to find an honest and polite mechanic.
Seems, Word of mouth and reputation carry more weight in a small town than in a metroplolis.
.
Actually i went to Pats Driveline in Surrey
User avatar

doyoulikeithere
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 2060
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by doyoulikeithere »

well, ok , make a liar outta me then ! LOL.... :toimonster:
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.

Topic author
Vanboozin
I am smitten with my van
I am smitten with my van
Posts: 29
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:41 pm
Location: Gibsons B.C.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by Vanboozin »

Well your right about finding an honest mechanic in a small town.
I do know one such fellow who operates from his own garage and take my vehicles there but i really wanted a specialist this time thats all.
Cheers !!
User avatar

doyoulikeithere
I plan to be buried in my van
I plan to be buried in my van
Posts: 2060
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 pm
Location: Misty Mountains of Cowichan BC.

Re: Is this normal ?

Post by doyoulikeithere »

Vanboozin wrote:Well your right about finding an honest mechanic in a small town.
I do know one such fellow who operates from his own garage and take my vehicles there but i really wanted a specialist this time thats all.
Cheers !!
No Worries Bud.
I didnt realize it was in the city.
IWE Rear ends only was another good shop if its still around, but that was 20 years ago.....
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 - Blue.
2016 Yamaha XSR900 - Silver.
1990 Astro - AWD - Brown.
1987 Astro - With 5 Speed & 4wd - Silver & Blue.
Post Reply