Hey guys and gals, I am searching, once again for a good mechanic in Chattanooga.  My Ghia is having issues and the place I have been going to has been unable to identify/solve the problem.  It lies somewhere in the wheels/ axle/ brake system as best as I can diagnose.  I was going to have Rick at R & M take a look at it but it seems he is no longer in business as of Friday. It is my daily vehicle so I need someone who works quickly but professionaly. I took a look at your general list of repair places but I was hoping to get some specifics from all of you on whose hands you entrust your precious vw's with.

Tell us in detail what your Ghia is trying to tell you. This area has a problem with not having a A/C Mech around anymore. We have all retired or have gone to the great garage in the sky. There is not  enough A/C cars around to have a dedicated shop anymore. I think most of the A/C owners are trying to learn to do their work themselves or hauling it out of town to someone who can repair their "Critters" CORRECTLY. Its a shame.

Kind of a hard problem to explain.  when I am driving the car, especially at speeds over 35mph a rather loud vibrating/humming noise can be hear from the back wheels.  I was told it was the wheel bearings on back left wheel.  I had it replaced, the sound was still there.  I took it back in a few weeks later and they said those bearings were defective, and also that the axle would need replaced.  The problem is still there.  There is also what seems a bit like an unbalanced rear passenger side wheel as well.  Also when I put the car in nuetral, again especially at higher speeds) you can feel a vibration under the drivers feet and hear a vibrating/humming sound comuing from the front wheels(or under where the axle would be).  When the steering wheel is turned to the right the sound lessens but when the wheel is returned to straight or left the noise is louder and deeper in pitch.  Also the brake pedal isnt engaging until it is almost to the floor.  I had the brakes bled and I can now build up pressure by pumping the brake but the next time I use it the pressure is gone.  I am curious to hear what your thoughts might be.

Kind of a hard problem to explain.  when I am driving the car, especially at speeds over 35mph a rather loud vibrating/humming noise can be hear from the back wheels.  I was told it was the wheel bearings on back left wheel.  I had it replaced, the sound was still there.  I took it back in a few weeks later and they said those bearings were defective, and also that the axle would need replaced.  The problem is still there.  There is also what seems a bit like an unbalanced rear passenger side wheel as well.  Also when I put the car in nuetral, again especially at higher speeds) you can feel a vibration under the drivers feet and hear a vibrating/humming sound comuing from the front wheels(or under where the axle would be).  When the steering wheel is turned to the right the sound lessens but when the wheel is returned to straight or left the noise is louder and deeper in pitch.  Also the brake pedal isnt engaging until it is almost to the floor.  I had the brakes bled and I can now build up pressure by pumping the brake but the next time I use it the pressure is gone.  I am curious to hear what your thoughts might be.

Is it swing axle or IRS (what year ghia?)? I would bet the axle nut on the front wheel is a little loose. It takes a 6mm allen wrench to tighten up. You pull the dust cap off the hub, loosen the 6mm allen clamp nut and tighten the whole thing up until it spins freely but doesn't flop when you grab it. Then tighten the allen nut back down (it keeps the nut from backing off) and reassemble.

As for the wheel... get it balanced! If you have IRS, check that any of the 6 CV bolts haven't come out, causing the whole thing to get out of balance/ off axis.

adjust the brake pedal push rod too

...and then it turns the splines on the brake drum to dust, and then you have no drive due to the dif. spinning the unloaded axle. Don't ask how I know.

I really appreciate the input.  I wish the mechanics who have had the car would have thought of any one of these possibilities.

Anthony,
Will you have one at the sale?
KC

both rear brake drums were replaced, and new front wheel bearings put in.  I am going to pick up the Ghia from the shop today.  Hopefully she'll run silent and stop quickly...well relatively

Who did the work ? If it was the rear drums, I'm very surprised that the other mechanics didn't find that problem quickly.