Let's not confuse input shaft bearing with pilot shaft bearing. A bad pilot
bearing can help cause the input shaft needle bearing. However, on the WB
trannies the input shaft bearing that normally goes is the roller bearing at
the other end that does all the work. When this one fails it often takes out
the gear carrier housing. If the gear shifter moves as you apply/remove
throttle in third or fourth gear you can be sure the main-shaft bearing
and/or gear carrier housing is wiped out. You can sometimes run this way for
a long time and sometimes the gears will become miss aligned enough to
quickly make a real mess.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil n
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 10:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Transmission MainShaft Needle Bearing Noise

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-engine
s