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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
Comments: To: Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAB5BEXYR6Rr6JAoA-702EBSyQtnTOXRMPL7zJRPgSPKZHOkyaA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

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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