Transmission Woes: Input Bearing SHOT

[opus10583]

Hello Everyone,

Despite having half an interior in my apartment and the other half in the mail or on the way, I'm reordering my priorities for Winter 2012:

I need a recently rebuilt transmission for my '78 CS1 1800 or the name and address of someone in the Metro NY area who has FIAT 5-speed rebuilding experience - I'd look to replace all the bearings and the 1st gear synchro, and the name and address of someone in the Metro NY area who won't charge me "book rate at $125/hr" to swap a transmission and replace a clutch disc.

Please help! 

Thanks,
Mark

[manoa matt]

I think for your requirements, look for a rebuilt unit from John Logan at Midwest 124, or a new or rebuilt unit from IAP or Vicks. Working on a manual transmission is like working on a Swiss clock, you want someone with the proper knowhow, the proper tools, and attention to fine tolerances. You pay peanuts, you get monkey work.

It will likely be cheaper to buy an already rebuilt unit than to source all the individual parts and bearings and pay someone to rebuild it. Vendors may also give you a warranty on a new or rebuilt unit.

I looked and did not see any posts regarding your trans problem or its diagnosis, how do you know its the trans input bearing? What are the symptoms? Have you checked the pilot bearing in the end of the crankshaft?

[opus10583]

Thanks Matt.

At idle in neutral with the clutch engaged my car sounds like a rock polisher. I am not exaggerating.

With the clutch disengaged it sounds like it needs a valves adjustment, which it does.

Transmission is noisy, not normal geartrain noises, in all gears except fourth, worst in 1st.

Far too much noise and too gross to just be the input/primary junction needle bearing.

It shifts like a dream, with no issues indicating any problem with forks or synchros, so I'm wondering if I can't get away with the all the bearings and seals (~$325), and 1st gear synchro as long as they're in there.

A local shop has to be cheaper than VAS ($1.5k) and IAP's rebuilds ($2k) (The Book says ~8 hours); I can buy from a choice of complete driver cars for the price of IAP's new item ($3k). I'll look into Midwest, thanks.

What would failed pilot bushing symptoms be?

Thanks again,
Mark

[manoa matt]

"What would failed pilot bushing symptoms be?"

Very herky jerky/bucking/shuddering when trying to let out the clutch pedal comming off a stop, in any gear.

Have you checked the fluid level? Is there 90 weight GL-1 in there? I've tried Redline MT-90, but its too thin and "loud", switching back to GL-1 quieted down the trans and made shifting firmer and more positive.

[opus10583]

"What would failed pilot bushing symptoms be?"

Very herky jerky/bucking/shuddering when trying to let out the clutch pedal comming off a stop, in any gear.

Have you checked the fluid level? Is there 90 weight GL-1 in there? I've tried Redline MT-90, but its too thin and "loud", switching back to GL-1 quieted down the trans and made shifting firmer and more positive.

Thanks Matt.

No, it's not the pilot bushing then. There is nothing wrong with the function of my transmission, just a sickening sound that I can't imagine any post-hoc lubricant repairing. I suppose I should try... But it seems pointless.

Thanks again,
Mark

[opus10583]

Hi,

I've got my replacement sorted out. Still need a skilled and sympathetic shop in the NY Metro area.

Thanks,
Mark

[vandor]

I think for your requirements, look for a rebuilt unit from John Logan at Midwest 124, or a new or rebuilt unit from IAP or Vicks.

One has to be cautious, as some shop's view of 'rebuilt' is different than others. They just change the synchro rings and maybe a worn gear, but most of the parts are reused. To me that's 'fixed', not 'rebuilt'.
I'd want a receipt for the parts that were replaced, and may not be a bad idea to remove the pan and check out those new parts...

[opus10583]

I've got my replacement sorted out. Still need a skilled and sympathetic shop in the NY Metro area for the swap.

Thanks,
Mark

[BrianB]

Mark,

What are you planning to do with the transmission? Mine is making the exact same noises and I've been trying to figure out what I should do. Torn between having mine rebuilt or getting some money together and buying a new (rebuilt) transmission from VAS or IAP.

Thanks,
Brian

[opus10583]

Hi Brian,

I lucked out: Someone I trust has a transmission he drove before parting out a car. I was leaning toward Midwest 124, or a shop on LI that I may use for the install.

Finding a manual transmission specialist is key, not actual 'rocket surgery' but not a time for on the job training either, and a complete bearing set, gasket/seal set and 1st gear synchro bits is about $350 if you shop well.

I'd do it myself if I had the space.

Good luck,
Mark

Mark,

What are you planning to do with the transmission? Mine is making the exact same noises and I've been trying to figure out what I should do. Torn between having mine rebuilt or getting some money together and buying a new (rebuilt) transmission from VAS or IAP.

Thanks,
Brian