Auto Trans on way out : What to do?

[kim.beveridge]

Hi all..

I have a 1996 Golf GL 2.0 with Auto. Car has 215000k and is in excellent condition inside and out, and is our second car so it has light duties (trips to train station and the like).

The transmission started playing up a bit so i got it serviced straight away, the mechanic said that it was a little low on fluid and there were some metal filings in the pan, which is obviously not a good sign.

The symptoms of the problem is that when in 1st gear, it doesn't take smoothly and stays in neutral a little bit and revs before taking off. Sometimes it also sort of grabs and hesitates when taking off in 1st. 1st to 2nd it sort of goes into neutral for a split second before finding 2nd gear, after that it is normal. Reverse gear is normal. Symptoms seem to subside once engine has warmed up.

I guess i have some options...

1. Just put up with it until it literally stops going, then worry about it, this is probly an ok option as it is our second car and could handle it being out of action for a little while when it stops going, also i assume by continuing to drive it like this it is not going to affect the engine etc, and wont make the fix any more expensive than it already will be.

2. Get the transmission repaired \ overhauled..

3. Swap in a second hand transmission from a wrecker..

4. Sell the car for parts and buy something else..

I think i am leaning toward option 1, then option 2.

Any feedback on the issue the transmission has, and what option would be best would be appreciated, how much do you think option 2 or 3 would cost me?

thanks
kim

[kim.beveridge]

Hi all.

Here's an update on my auto issue...

I have got many quotes for rebuilding and change overs, prices vary from 2000 to 4,500. I don;t want to spend too much on this as it is just my second car for running around in.

I have found a secondhand transmission which has done 117,000 km, with 6month warranty from Volks Parts in Melbourne.

But i have couple of questions, hopefully someone can help me out.

1. What is involved in replacing the transmission? Can it be done from under the car, or does the whole engine need to be lifted out?

2. Assuming it is from under the car, is it a pretty straight forward process? My father in law is an ex-mechanic and has a hoist, is it the sort of the thing that we could do ourselves with normal mechanical knowledge?

3. I assume we would need a seal \ gasket kit etc for the replacement?

4. Does anything need to be done with the VAGCOM once the new transmission is installed, or no electronic stuff is required?

5. If the above sounds too hard for me to do myself, then i have got a quote from a mechanic who specialises in European cars, and he says around $550 to do the swap over.

Any answers to the above would be great..

thanks
Kim

[peedman]

Yeah u can do the gearbox from under the car you just need to find something to support the weight of the engine though because ull be taking 2 of the 3 mounts that hold the engine up. Having a hoist would make it alot easier and if u have a weekend u could comfortable do it.

What i would do is buy a filter/gasket kit for the transmission and fit that. AFAIK there arent any other gaskets that need replacing. Oh and nows a good time to replace engine mounts too if they are worn.

[Jmac]

Not to bad to do but ill warn you the transmission is s heavy unit. Another secret, dont forget the torque convertor nuts!!!!! or you will have oil everywhere and it smells like nepalm. Quick tip mate there is a hole on the bellhousing at the top, stick something in there and this will hold the torque convertor in place as it has a nasty habit of coming adrift. Save yourself a world of pain, same goes for your replacement tranny, let the torque convertor move at all and you risk damaging the radial seal. If this happens the whole lot will have to come back out to replace it.
Jmac