Last year, I had Daryl at AA Transaxle (http://aatransaxle.com) rebuild my
syncro tranny. At the time, I was very glad the list has someone like Daryl
on the list. His work and advice, not to mention his friendly manner were
all first class.

Fast forward a year. I occasionally had been seeing a minor drip from the
rear diff lock mechanism. I knew repair would be a hassle (just pulling the
vacuum actuator is a major hassle), so I just put it off, and would
occasionally check tranny fluid level to make sure it was OK. At one point,
I decided to mention it to Daryl. I wasn't sure if he'd brush me off and say
something like "they all do that."

Not even close. He gave me a couple of simple things to check (is the vent
line crimped, is it coming from the CV joint seal <still would require
fixing>, then essentially said, "if it's leaking, I gotta fix it."

Being local, Daryl gave me the option of bringing the syncro by his shop, or
letting me take it to a mechanic and he'd cover the charge. Seeing as I've
had bad luck with mechanics, I took it directly to Daryl. He even gave me a
ride to work (I got to share his quantum syncro with trannys he was taking
to UPS for VW owners not so lucky to have him local).

A day later, it was fixed (no drips since!). He had to pull the tranny to
fix a tiny (less than dime-sized) washer behind the diff lock. Apparently
the washer got a little twist in it as he installed it. A lot of work for a
.10 cent part (actually, knowing VW, it was probably about $5), but Daryl
was willing to make it right. It would have been very easy for Daryl to
brush this job off (Hey, it's a VW, they all leak), but his willingness to
take on so much work to make such a minor problem right shows what a
first-class business he runs.

Thanks Daryl!

Tim King
Seattle WA
87 Syncro Westy