On Sun, Mar 28, 2010 at 7:31 PM, neil n <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all.
>
> A Vanagon mechanic listened to the growling noise in my newly
> installed transmission. It's audible under load in 1/2, but not 3/4,
> likely due to louder ambient noise at higher speeds. (or ingrown ear
> hairs. <grin>) Noise is a little quieter than engine.
>
> Mechanic said "input shaft bearing" and kindly pointed out the part on
> an open WBX transmission. My Long Enterprises CD calls this part
> "mainshaft needle bearing". Bentley calls it "needle bearing" and
> shows it on mainshaft. (35.20 and 35.49... just for clarifications
> sake) Seems to me the worn bearing is allowing some other part(s) to
> actually make the noise.
>
> I understand pulling transmission sooner than later is best but.....
>
> If someone else has had this noise and/or diagnosis, how many miles
> did they drive it like that?
>
> Would this noise indicate a failed needle bearing?
>
> Running Redline MT synthetic if that figures in.
>
> Much thanks,
>
> Neil.
>
>
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
>

  I don't know a lot about transmissions other than having destroyed 3 in my
racecar and figuring out how to run an external cooler into one...but I do
know about the '...understand pulling it sooner rather than later...'   In
fact,  I've been 'bit' by putting off a repair I knew I "should" do.  I
feel really  dumb when I knew something was wrong, or I was 'pretty sure'
something needed to be fixed soon and I put it off until something really
expensive or possibly fatal happened.

  I have lost bicycle races because of similar procrastination ...."well,
maybe my chain is a bit worn but it'll go a few more weeks" and off I go,
driving far and long to race in another state and ride my guts out up some
stupid mountain.  I put most of my competitors behind.  Then 300 meters from
the finish as I start to sprint, the chain breaks!....I spent about 8hrs
driving home from Idaho, kicking myself for 'Not Listening' to my inner
voice saying...."you should really change that chain, it's only $50 and
about 10mins work"  Instead, I waste 3 days and countless weeks of
training...,

  So if you think your bearings are out or almost out, or even 'could be on
the way out" and you have to ask..."Should I really ......?" the answer is
probably   Yes, go ahead and do it and save yourself some money  and a
possible remote breakdown or other bad stuff...

  Don Hanson