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CC
New User
Mar 20, 2008, 12:18 PM
Post #1 of 8
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mechanical problems or??
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Can you tell this ole gal if theres a mechanical problem or just an ice problem.
91 Aeros Van problems.
Drove it to the store a few days ago. Parked everything seemed ok.
The snow here started to melt and froze the driveway like a skating rink. Next day I tried to drive the van it slipped and started slidding into deeper snow beside the driveway.
I dug out around the wheels out and tried again, wasn't that deep but still it would not go, just spinning its wheels.
Next day I tried it again after applying salt around the tires the day before....got it to move a couple feet but it slid where I didn't really want it to go, then it started to dig in again.
Tried 'rocking' it but still no go.
So I figured it was the ice problem as to why it just keeps spinning its wheels and not drive out. So yesterday I put down a lot of salt and wood ashes to have traction hopefully for today.
Today, still no go and tires just spinning. Walked around the van to see what the problem might be that could possible be blocking it now, as it was cleared yesterday.
By chance I noticed that the frame of van over the back (passenger side) tire was a good five inches higher from the tire. I thought that seemed odd so walked around to other side and noticed that there is not more than an inch from the frame to the driver side back tire.
I have even tried putting branches/ pine needles/bark under/around in hopes of getting some grip. When that didn't work, I went for the salt and woodash. :)
Yes it is sitting fairly level ground. Never had this happen in all the years I have been driving. lol Didn't even get stuck in all the snow we had this winter. Put ice on the ground and oh boy!
Did something 'break/wear out' causing one tire to look lower than the other back one? Is that why I can't get it to grip to move it? I know I didn't hit or run over anything.
I can't ask the person that 'knew' the van as he passed away last month. Also I don't live near a town so not easy to get someome to look at it.
Really hoping someone can give me a clue what might be the problem.
If you need pictures to explain the difference in height by wheels,
I can go take some.
CC
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dave284
Enthusiast
/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2008, 12:44 PM
Post #2 of 8
(1469 views)
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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FIRST THING IS TO GET IT ON LEVEL GROUND, HAVE YOU TRIED LETING SOME OF THE AIR OUT OF THE TIRES ,THAT USALLY HELPS WHEN DRIVING IN SAND IT MIGHT HELP IN SNOW? BUT IN ANY CASE THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE LEVEL, HAVE YOU LOOKED AND SEE IF YOU MIGHT HAVE SLID OVER SOMETHING CAUSING IT TO HANG IN THAT SPOT?
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CC
New User
Mar 20, 2008, 1:00 PM
Post #3 of 8
(1468 views)
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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Thanks for your reply Dave,
It is as level as it can get.
No it is not hung up on anything. I have laid on the ground to look under each and every tire to be sure. That's one of the first thing I do each time it would move and then stop...check to see what she might be hung up on....shovel in hand....but nothing!
Normally if no ice that area is flat.
That's what was so puzzling to me....until I spotted the distance from frame to tire on each side was so different. Then I started to think that it may not be just the ice problem...but what do I know. lol
Yes the tires are alittle under inflated but not sure by how much right now. Don't have a gauge here. Don't think I should take out more then already is down.....?
Yes it does work on icy surfaces too. :)
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2008, 2:01 PM
Post #4 of 8
(1466 views)
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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HMMMMM
If the tires are spinning and touching the Ground/ice..then the power is getting to the wheels...which I'm not telling you something that you don't already know...Don't let anymore air out if there already low...
POst some pic's if you'd like..we can get a better visual then...
How deep did this get into the snow?
GUESS: Possibly some snow/froze to ice/packed up in the frame /suspension area,inhibiting the return to normal height?
We always have a lot of complaints of knock/clunk/type noises in the suspension in the snow/ice time of year...bring it into the shop to inspect on the hoist,its starts to/does melt,can't find anything wrong...
Can you get anybody to come with a tow rope/tow truck and pull you to dry ground...then we will know for sure if there is a problem...
Unless you want to wait until spring thaw....geez..where are you at? how much snow/ice is left?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2008, 3:07 PM
Post #5 of 8
(1464 views)
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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Is this thing still stuck where it was or on level ground now?
This is a RWD guy isn't it? Try parking brake when stuck with those - sometimes will shift power to the non spinning wheel. Don't spin tires - it doesn't work and does make it worse. Also - you should really try to allow wheel(s) to stop spinning before shifting from forward to reverse for a rocking action as that's a well known trannys killer.
More: Is one wheel dug into the ground now? Is there an ice pack on top of a tire or jamming where they catch and make clots behind wheels when driving? I've seen those stop a car and you can't just kick those out. Real sand works better than ashes if you can get that. Put it on top of the tire when you can and let it slowly carry it - not just spin it away. Ice is ice and can stop a tank if just so as too many of us know......
T
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CC
New User
Mar 20, 2008, 3:26 PM
Post #6 of 8
(1463 views)
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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Thanks Jim for your reply,
The snow it went into was barely up to the hubs. No knocks, clucks or other noises. This van sees a tiny mole hill and it starts vibrating at the thought of climbing it! lol
I am up in the mtns. of British Columbia, the Boundry country. Lots of snow, but this year it has been melting then hard freezing at nights then more snow on top of that. Loads of fun with no chance for the ground to thaw and absorb the melt at all.
If this keeps up, I may stock it with some rainbow trout and then I can fish at home! lol
Up date.
Upon Jim's suggestion I called and finally got someone to come up and give it a yank out.
The silly thing sweared all over the place but is now off the "skating rink" area. Both sides appear to be sitting right.
Thank you Jim for that suggestion!
I thank you for your time and replies. Sure good to know someone is out there that is so willing to help.
Have a great one!
CC
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CC
New User
Mar 20, 2008, 3:38 PM
Post #7 of 8
(1460 views)
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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Thanks Tom,
Sorry I didn't see your response til after I had posted....already had it open to post before, when they came to yank van out.
You have comfirmed my thoughts about the rocking bit. :) Yes thats what I do...take it forward, brake to hold it there then shift to rev. then give it a go again. Don't intentionally make the wheel spin as that just makes holes bigger.
Putting sand on top of tires is something that I didn't know...thank for that tip.... but hopefully will not have to try in future. lol
Have a great one!
CC
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 20, 2008, 4:06 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: mechanical problems or??
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Thanks CC for posting results...
Hey ,your up there for sure...B.C.
Glad all went well and your back on the "road"
If we can help with anything else..just give us a "shout"
Take care
Jim
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