Let's say you purchased the van from new, did the one recommended service at
30,000 miles and the thing exploded before 50K? It happens, frequently.
There are so many variables for the service life of any major assembly. If
it was a true defect at rebuild time it would have been apparent a long time
ago. Transmission overhauls do not generally mean every moving part
replaced. Just way too expensive and offer little extra benefit. Overhaul
really means inspect and replace what is needed.

There are many reasons that a bearing may fail. Needle bearings in
particular can fail without warning. Vehicles that sit unused can get tranny
damage from corrosion. Vehicles that get idle a lot get damaged from parts
not getting oiled. Keep in mind that our transmissions have many parts that
were designed for the old days of beetles and 25 or 36 HP engines such as
the input shaft.

The best bet may be to let the last shop that did the work do it again and
if they find something that was wrong they might chose to help you out. If
you have any engine modifications or run over sized tires or do any off road
activities then really all bets are off.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Timmy Evens
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 10:37 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 45k out of a tranny?

lets just say you bought a rebuilt tranny from a reputable source. that
tranny lasted only 45k with proper oil changes before a bearing failure. it
was out of warranty by two years. seems a bit premature. would it be weird
to hope for a deal on a replacement?

tim