Date:         Sat, 16 May 1998 18:54:07 -0800
Reply-To:     Garrick Chang <gchang1@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Garrick Chang <gchang1@PACBELL.NET>
Organization: Radiological Associates
Subject:      Re: Pilot bearing or shifter linkage?
Comments: To: thetrans@INAME.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Bill,

My guess is that the 2 probs are unrelated. As far as the chatter goes,
There are lots of theories in the archives but I couldn't find anything
very definitive. Maybe the reason is that maybe many differnt things
could cause similar symptoms.

I just replaced my transmision, clutch, TO and pilot bearings. I no
longer have nay chatter.  Before I had bad chatter.  Had to really
feather the clutch to take off without a big judder.  Reverse was
worse.  Interestingly, my clutch, TO and pilot bearings all looked to be
in excellent shape. I think my chatter was in the transmission-maybe a
very worn mainshaft bearing?

Incidentally and since its acutely fresh in my brain, if you do end up
pulling you pilot bearing, do yourself a favor and rent a pilot bearing
puller.  I know the archives says you a can make a doohickey out of a
bolt and washer, but you can rent a puller that has 2 inverted jaws that
latch on to the back edge of the bearing.  The jaws are attached to a
slide hammer similar to those used for pulling dents.  Cost me 5 bucks
to rent. BTW, you need to pull the flywheel 1st because there is a
retainer that holds a little felt ring in front of the bearing. Get a
good 10mm hex head socket for this.

Garrick
84 Westy
Davis, CA

> Well after a search of the archives, I'm getting a bit more worried about
> my shifting problem. I read a posting by John Hung who described (among
> other things) symptoms similar to mine:
>
> 1) a bit of chatter when the clutch is engaged (this ONLY happens to me in
> 1st gear.. I never hear any chatter or noise in any other gear)
>
> 2) Difficulty shifting into or out of gear (though very infrequently)
>
> So, any thoughts?? Anyone else have a pilot bearing problem with similar
> symptoms?
>
> Bill