Sounds like the clutch release bearing has failed. Transmission has to come out. Plan to do complete clutch kit, possible flywheel machineing or replacement and of course flywheel seals, o-ring, and the bolts should be replaced. The clutch fork will need to be inspected for wear along with the bushings. A worn fork will cause chattering. Hopefully the transmission main shaft is not worn or damaged. Replacing the slave cylinder should be considered. Plan on 4 hours labor for quick and dirty, to 6 hours to do things right, especially if replacing the clutch fork and slave.  Add another 1 to 1.5 hours for the input shaft. You can go to some list vendors for parts pricing. A local shop will expect to make some profit on the parts.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Sheridan <msheridan@IGC.ORG>
Date: Friday, October 28, 2005 9:17 am
Subject: transmission or clutch troubles - 3 questions...

> Dear Vanagoners
>
> My transmission and or clutch is giving me serious problems :
> '84, watercooled Wolfsburg edition full camper.
>
> It can be impossible to get into first or reverse.  I will have to
> turn it off to get it into gear.
>
> There is a grinding noise that develops when I am at a stand still
> with the clutch pressed and in gear.  If I take it out of gear and
> release the clutch the sound goes away.  On occasion the sound
> becomes a violent shake that moves the van right to left until I get
> it out of gear and clutch released.
>
>
> Question 1:
> Any ideas on what is going - transmission, part of transmission,
> clutch?
> Question 2:
> Anyone in the Boston/New England US area recommended for dealing with
> transmissions/clutches?
>
> Question 3:
> What should I expect to pay to get the transmission/clutch replaced?
>
> Thanks,
> Michael
>