If it's not making noises, and shifting fine, I'd leave it alone, aside from
checking/changing the oil, using Redline MT90 or similar GL4 synthetic. Mine
went at 166k kms (about 100k miles) and was replaced by the PO under
warranty. (3/4 slider failure). The R&P started making noises again at 360k
kms, and needed a new R&P and bearings. But I've seen other vans go 300k
+ kms without problems - my uncle's '89 went to over 400k kms before
needing a rebuild, and even then, it never failed, just got noisy. He's now at
over 570k kms... Both our vans are Westys, btw.

On 25 Aug 2004 at 16:28, Daryl Christensen
<aatransaxle@DIRECWAY.COM> wrote:

> I have seen em break from 90K all the way up to 250 Kor more...Campers and
> hard driven loaded vans will break sooner than the 7 pass daily driver
> typically.
> Just change the oil and drive it is my advice... If the worry is worth  the
> price of a rebuild, then fix it. Daryl of AA Transaxle Duvall, WA. (Seattle
> area) 1-877-377-0773 toll free 425-788-4070 aatransaxle.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Daniel Brideau" <dan@HOBBYETC.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 8:41 AM
> Subject: should I get a new transmission?
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I'm going to take a 3 week road trip in September.  My '85 is running well, and
> I'm confident it will stay that way.
>
> The only item I'm concerned with is the infamous 3-4th gear failure.  My
> Westfalia just flipped 140,000 miles - from what I read, this is the spot on the
> odometer when the transmission is most likely to fail.
>
> 1) Should I get a new one now, or wait for this one to bust? I plan to keep the
> van for few more years.
>
> 2) What's an easy way to see if the trans has been replaced before?  I
> bought the van without any records of service.  I did have it out to replace the
> clutch last fall, but didn't notice any signs of work. (but I wasn't really
> looking)
>
>
>
> Thanks for your guidance,
>
> Dan
>

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
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