Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2014 19:34:36 -0800
Reply-To: Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 87 Westy 2WD -- only reverse gear in automatic transmission
works
In-Reply-To: <CAB5BEXYR6Rr6JAoA-702EBSyQtnTOXRMPL7zJRPgSPKZHOkyaA@mail.gmail.com>
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I decided against tackling the rebuild of my ('87 2WD Westy) automatic
transmission and took into a local transmission shop. They've a great
reputation locally but are not VW specialists.
Turns out I need three parts that they have not been able to source: 1)
the two plastic thrust washers (oil pump - direct clutch drum, and between
the direct and forward clutch drums); 2) the bearing between the forward
planetary gear set and the forward clutch; and 3) the shims that control
the final drive-transmission endplay (there were no shims at all found in
my tranny). I've put in a few calls but have had no luck either -- it
appears the VW stopped manufacturing these pieces just a couple of years
ago.
I can buy a used Rabbit transmission that may have these parts but that
seems a risky (and expensive) option. I'm feeling a bit desperate. Does
anyone have any ideas where I might find these parts?
Thanks, Rick
On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 1:01 PM, Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@gmail.com>
wrote:
> You'll have to take it apart. All kinds of nooks and crannies with gunk in
> them. Also springs and little BBs. I looked at that as a whole separate
> evolution from the rest of the tranny, and even did it in a different
> place. Lots of light and quiet. I used carb cleaner and picks on the thing;
> some of that stuff was almost fused in those channels.
>
> The tranny rebuild was a new experience for me and I was pretty paranoid
> about screwing it up, but as it turned out it was pretty straightforward.
> I'd had brake jobs that were worse in terms of difficulty and aggravation.
> As I said: Lots and lots of pics. There's a set online somewhere, and I
> still have mine if all else fails. Put 'em on a laptop in order and
> reassemble going in reverse and it helps (or at least it helped me.) :)
>
> On Mon, Nov 17, 2014 at 1:31 PM, Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks gents for all the feedback and different perspectives. I pulled
>> the tranny yesterday and think I'll take a shot a taking it apart. Thanks
>> also for the links Robert, I hadn't come accross wittrans.com before.
>>
>> Do I really need to dismantle the valve body or is there some other way
>> to get any gunk out? I am planning to replace the TC. Even with that,
>> hopefully I can get this done for less than $500 as opposed to the $2000
>> plus for a professionally rebuilt unit.
>>
>> Rick
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 3:53 PM, Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> It doesn't require any special tools - you need to set the brake band
>>> tension in inch pounds, but that's about it. If you've rebuilt engines you
>>> can do this, and I'm 98% sure that you are correct in that it's the forward
>>> clutch.
>>>
>>> Earlier today I described the process to someone as "painstaking". You
>>> have to be particularly clean and well-organized. The fluid in the case and
>>> internals will want to get all over everything. I did most of my work in a
>>> large Rubbermaid bin lid lined with plastic. I took a picture every time I
>>> did something - every stage, every time (and it saved my ass later).
>>>
>>> You may want to go in for a reconditioned valve body if it appears to
>>> need it (how many miles are on this tranny, do you know?). It isn't
>>> necessarily likely, but it's an option. Cleaning the VB requires the most
>>> care and attention (and lint free cloths) imo.
>>>
>>> I would always replace the TC in doing this - the one you have is full
>>> of friction lining material and other crap that you won't be able to get
>>> out; it's my pet theory that that's the stuff that causes the cold shifting
>>> problem these things get right before they die (choking up the vanes in the
>>> TC until it gets warm(er) and they free up).
>>>
>>> The last time I got parts for an overhaul I got them from
>>> www.makcotransmissionparts.com and www.wittrans.com (I think because I
>>> couldn't get everything at one place). The standard rebuild kit doesn't
>>> quite have everything you need, so you need to make a comprehensive list.
>>>
>>> Alternately, you could get a rebuilt from German Transaxle (which is of
>>> course much more expensive than rolling your own).
>>>
>>> Keep us posted!
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 6:20 PM, Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Just bought an 1987 2WD Westy with a faulty automatic transmission.
>>>> Fell
>>>> in love with these things this past summer but could not afford a nice,
>>>> clean one so I picked up this one last week instead. It's in lovely
>>>> shape
>>>> but only reverse gear works. There is no forward motion in any of 1,
>>>> 2 or
>>>> D, though with both rear wheels off the ground, they will spin slowly.
>>>> Based on the chart in the Bentley, looks like this could be the forward
>>>> clutch, but I know darn little about these things.
>>>>
>>>> Looks like I'm gonna have to fix this since my wife refuses to see the
>>>> country backwards. Being the curious type, I'm wondering whether I dare
>>>> try taking it apart myself. Anyone have experience with rebuilding
>>>> these?
>>>> I've overhauled a couple of engines but never touched an AT. Does it
>>>> require special tools? Also, is there a source for a rebuild kit --
>>>> can't
>>>> see one on either the GoWesty or the Bus Depot sites.
>>>>
>>>> Rick
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Cya,
>>> Robert
>>>
>>> '87 2.1/Auto GL
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Cya,
> Robert
>
> '87 2.1/Auto GL
>
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