Date:         Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:21:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Edward Maglott <emaglott3@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Need good Westy Auto Trans shop in SE Michigan
In-Reply-To:  <CANEuo0hNm7zOLqbAx6_adYQ0UkwjR_PZz6Q8MSANGNhp2N-7SQ@mail.g
              mail.com>
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I agree.  It's a simple transmission but there are critical details
that a generalist might not know about.  Like the seals with the
bumps that Dennis mentioned.  I had the local shop that everybody
said was the best in town do mine and it turned into a 4-5 month saga
of him supposedly not being able to find the parts and various other
problems.  I think the main problem was in the valvebody and he could
not straighten it out or find parts for it through all his usual
sources.  German transaxle rebuilds the valvebodies and has a rig to
test them before installation or sale.  Finally I basically told him
to order a valvebody from German Transaxle so I could get my van back
in working order.  He never said if he did, but the next time I got
my van back it was fine.  If I had it to do over, I'd send mine to GT
for rebuild or do their "core swap" plan.

Edward


At 07:49 AM 4/28/2013, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) wrote:
>My opinion on this is that you should definitely seek a specialist that has
>done many of these.  I have seen the work that local "Auto Trans"
>specialists do and it ain't pretty unless they have a history of doing VW
>transmissions.  Usually they will be up front with you and tell you either
>that they won't work on VW transmissions or that they never have before.
>That is your cue to run for the door.  Yes this trans isn't anything that
>special, and yes it isn't as complicated as other transmission out there in
>newer cars.  However, an experienced specialist has learned many things the
>hard way (failures) that a person new to the transmission hasn't.  Do you
>want to pay them to learn on your van?  I  wouldn't.  I usually just use
>German Transaxle.  They have the parts supply chain and the experience to
>get the job done right.  The the completely rebuilt unit, put it in and
>move on with your life.  Removing and replacing the auto trans is something
>that isn't difficult and pretty much any competent shop or skilled lay
>person can do.  Leave the rebuilding to the specialists.