Date:         Tue, 17 Sep 2002 18:14:55 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Auto tranny rebuild
Comments: To: "Spooner, Robert E." <bob.spooner@MIDDLETOWNPOWER.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

"Spooner, Robert E." wrote:
>
> Folks,
> You may or may not have seen either of my queries about auto tranny issues.
>
> Anyway, how bad are these auto trannies to rebuild?  I'm pretty good, mechanically, but I know nothing about these slush-box transmissions.  Do I have any chance at all to take this thing out, rebuild it, put it back in and have it work?  I have the Haynes, and the Bentley.
>
> My favorite local VW shop is quoting me big $$$ for the rebuild.  I understand the $$$, it seems like a tedious job that could take a long time...time is $$$.
>
> Thanks for any input.
>
> Bob
> East Haddam, CT

Any shop that's familiar with Rabbit ATs of that era should be able to
do it.  The  guts are the same.  Shouldn't be more than $1k IMHO.

A few years ago my daughter and I did the AT from my 84. I had no
previous experience with an automatic.  No special tools were needed
(compressed air is helpful).  The Vanagon Bentley is needed of course,
but I got the most useful and detailed info from the Rabbit, Scirocco,
Jetta Bentley, 1980-84 gasoline.
  Since we were trying to use some parts from an old core that I bought,
and I was learning as I went along, it took us a few tries to get
everything right.  After a few rounds, we could pull the AT out in about
30 - 40 minutes.  My daughter (15 at the time) became quite skilled with
CV joints.
  Take your time.  Stack everything carefully in order.  Be very careful
and methodical in cleaning the valve body.
  If you have to buy very many clutch disks and things like the second
gear band, you should shop for alternate parts sources; the dealer
prices are stunning.

good luck,
Larry A.
91 GL (AT only slips a little going into 2nd)