Anyone have an opinion on this one?

Once I get more than 4 people in my TD (7 seatbelts), I get a driver's side, rear end noise. The noise sounds like a hum and only occurs went I de-accelerate or stay constant.

Upon acceleration it disappears.

Don

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Don-

Have you rotated tires on this wagon lately? Do you have the same tire (brand/model) all the way around? This may be far fetched, but I recently rotated tires on my van and discovered one of the four didn't match. Upon rotating that tire to the front, I now have a hum that is prevalent at certain speeds, and especially upon deceleration. The more aggressive tread on this tire results in increased road noise when it is stressed (heavy loads, braking, etc).

Also, the increased weight in the vehicle w/ 7 passengers will certainly cause tire and suspension components to act differently.

I'm only a "junior member" but hey, rotate the tires and see if the noise disappears. Only takes a few minutes and could be a cheap fix. No one else had any advice to offer in over a week, so here's my $0.02!

Later....

Easy enough....but check flex discs...check to see if worn or cracked. Two of them on your driveline...most likely not this...probably just tired suspension. I believe its just exhaust backpressure in your case (as well as mine) sucking more or less air as you accelerate or decelerate...making different noises...not a biggy.