Ok, thanks. That gives me a better picture of what I Am dealing with.

On Fri, Nov 18, 2022 at 9:53 AM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> Happy Friday
> I doubt that you really need to change those bearings but yes it is
> possible to do so with the transmission in place. After removing the final
> drive oil pan you will want to carefully look at the pinion bearings to see
> if these is any sign of play or future failure there. Those bearings as
> they operate under considerable load and tat engine speed are more
> susceptible to failing. Also over time the case can pound out at the torque
> converter side. At the point that the pinion bearings or the inside pinion
> saft seal needs repair it all has to come out and be disassembled. This
> assembly is stout except for when run without oil, oversize engines and
> tires are used, or overheated by excessive high-speed driving. It is common
> practice that when the automatic sections get repaired the final drive is
> not touched.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of John
> Rodgers
> Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2022 2:00 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Ring and pinion - 1991 Carat
>
> Can the ring and pinion area be accessed without removing the whole
> transaxle? Need to replace final drive bearings right and left sides.
>