De-Coupler Advice

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 10 Dec 2006, 17:19

After the weekend up in the Peak District with the 80-90 lot and many conversations about my knackered VC i see that i've got 2 options.

1: Replace the VC

2: Replace the old VC with a De-Coupler

Everyone i spoke to over the weekend said replace the VC with another.

My main concerns are with flat tyres. What am i supposed to do when i'm in Norway next year and i get a flat? Replace the tyre with my spare that could well cause the VC to fail again? It all seems very sensitive.

Whats the opinion on here?

Post by **bigbluebus** » 10 Dec 2006, 17:50

not the answer but a related question . . .

on the flat tyre thing . .

it was worrying me the other day. If you get a blow out on the rear, instantly loosing the 'size' of that tyre, would the VC think 'hello lads, we've got a spinner' and fire some power to front wheels?

as a bit of an answer Ian, if your feeling flush you could maybe fit the de-coupler along with the new VC

http://www.longenterprises.com/vanagon_ ... _items.htm

reading the bunf on there, it sounds like fitting the billet shaft is optional

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 10 Dec 2006, 18:06

It feels to me like the versatility of the standard Syncro system is compromised by the very fact that something as simple as changing a wheel could completely knacker the VC.

What does that de-coupler cost?

Post by **bigbluebus** » 10 Dec 2006, 19:10

see what you mean, where's the prices on that site? erm . . .

http://www.syncro-bernd-jaeger.de/ENGLI ... llrad.html

bernd jaeger price . 1280 euros (£864) + P+P (?) (but I have no idea if it's the same / similar)

so it's pretty big financial outlay.

I'm sure a few more technically aware people will be along to nay say shortly

Post by **syncrodoug** » 10 Dec 2006, 20:12

Surely your spare tyre(s) will be the same as the other four, and by adopting a tyre rotation should be similar with regard to wear.

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 10 Dec 2006, 21:16

I've not had it very long but no, my spare is different. In fact the spare looks like the original tyre!

Once i know what i'm doing with the VC i'm gonna get another Carat alloy wheel and 5 new BFG's A/T's.

Anybody got a spare Carat alloy wheel?

Post by **HarryMann** » 10 Dec 2006, 22:27

It feels to me like the versatility of the standard Syncro system is compromised by the very fact that something as simple as changing a wheel could completely knacker the VC.

We've said before on here, you shouldn't be worrying over this particular issue... it's not really an issue, if you just take a few precautions.

1) Don't get in that situation.

2) So - have a suitable spare(s) on-board at least. You shouldn't go more than a couple of thousand miles on a new set of 5 before at least just cutting the spare in for a another thousand or so, maybe sticking it on the rear. That's all for a while, so at least it doesn't represent an immediate traction problem if you have to use the current spare.

3) Unless you have to drive several hundred miles on badly mismatched tyres, don't worry about it, otherwise, take it easy or take the prop off - your choice. If you're off-road it won't make a happeth of difference other than loss of traction on a worn tyre.

4) Manufacturers have to make some sort of recommendations, and a bit of testing by VW led to a recommendation not to drive more than 50~100 miles or so on tyres different by more than 2 mm. Think conservative - nobody's saying that at 101 miles or 3mm difference the VC will just pack up. They're a lot more tolerant than that..

5) Age as much as long term abuse (read usage), almost certainly combine to do for them eventually, so just picture how hard they are working sometimes off-road - they don't pack up straight away because they get hot for 5 or 10 minutes.

6) Get a refurb and trust it. Your choice how handy you get with the prop-shaft flange bolt spanners... much easier to carry a couple of spares, and I wouldn't go for rare or fancy wheel and tyre choice.

With a flat rear, pretty sure the Syncro would be as or more stable than a 2WD, definitely when it comes time to brake or steer.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 11 Dec 2006, 10:34

Mmm. that old chestnut

The decoupler sounds like a good idea.. but... it depends on what you use your syncro for..
The inherent advantages of the VC are so good that by "decoupling" it removes them...
The decoupler has a couple of advantages though.. long (and I mean more than 300 mile) motroway trips it "could" reduce heat build up in the VC and any stresses in the transmission system..
If you have a stone stuck in a front disc.. then you can jack up one side and spin the wheel easily.. (seen this happen)
You dont have to fit a "solid" shaft instead of a VC, the decoupler fits on the gearbox.
The solid shaft is mainly for silly offroading and in sand.. you could never use it even on a wet road as the grip would be too high still..

If you VC has failed tight.. then at some oint it will fail open.. you still have to buy a new VC..

Make sure you have a set of matched tyres.. and rotate.. drive as short a distance as possible on the deflating/flat tyre if on a hard grippy surface..

I cant see any reason why you couldnt fit 2 new tyres on either the left or the right of the vehicle, but never fit a new pair to the front or rear only...

I was thinking about the decoupler... but I reckon a fully operational VC is pretty dam good... As said, age and abuse from the prev owner is what kills them... My doka had 2 different pairs of tyres on it... even though the tyres are pretty evenly worn the VC is tight.. I dropped the prop... until I can get a new VC, a new set of tyres and my refurb gearbox is ready...

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:58

Thanks for the advice.

Truth be told if money was no object i'd probably go for the de-coupler but as it stands money is an issue so i think i'm going to plump for a new VC and fit it over xmas with 5 new tyres.

Post by **HarryMann** » 11 Dec 2006, 22:18

Hehe, you'll have to shift a bit to get one in time, or is it Sycnro Santa delivering

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 11 Dec 2006, 22:23

HarryMann wrote:Hehe, you'll have to shift a bit to get one in time, or is it Sycnro Santa delivering

Hehehe!! I better just hope we dont have a white xmas!

Post by **Ye Olde Syncrospares** » 12 Dec 2006, 16:26

got a decoupler sat here,ill see how it goes,really cant see any reasons not to use one over a vc,cj.

Post by **Russel** » 12 Dec 2006, 19:44

I have been runing a decoupler for a while now and sorry to all u vc followers but the decoupler is far superiour espesialy when used with a billet shaft.The difference in traction is unbelivable. It will now have the opportunity to use in lots of dry sand.THOUSANDS OF MILES OF IT

Post by **garyd** » 12 Dec 2006, 20:00

Russel,
I trust you will be coming back with a full report of your travels to make us all very envious?

I hope you really enjoy the trip and it p[roves to be everything you hope.

Garyd

ps Merry Christmas to everyone, too.