C900 funny transmission sound in 3rd

Yes, the pinion bearings were beefed up a year or three after '88.

Only if you don't drive it much. Get it fixed (pinion bearings at least, more if you've driven it much) or find another box. '90 I think is when it was improved, I'm sure someone can confirm or correct.

Dave

in article snipped-for-privacy@individual.net, Dave Hinz at snipped-for-privacy@spamcop.net wrote on 13/03/2006 15:39:

I heard '89, but it may well depend on the market.

Once repaired, the older boxes can be "strengthened" by using a steel inspection cover plate. I think if you're getting grinding noises on over-run/engine braking then it may well be very close to failure and I'd be inclined to have the box looked at with a view to repair.

Of course, driving style will affect things so take it easy on the acceleration and perhaps use your brakes rather than the engine until you have it fixed. Thereafter, I can't see why engine braking will put any excessive strain on the box.

Paul

What's involved in replacing these bearings? I'm quite adept and performing extensive repairs and have done a lot of engine work, I've never attempted to repair a gearbox though. I'm assuming it has to come out of the car and be disassembled?

Have a look at the Twinsaab's manual transmission rebuilding guide at:

Uprated pinion bearings are sold by Swedish Dynamics I think for something like US$200 to 300.

Craig.

The car is almost 20 yrs old what do you expect?

My Volvo Turbo is 22 years old, I regularly thrash it, and the transmission is holding up fine, so I guess that's what I've come to expect.

Needless to say, the Saab trannies obviously are a weak spot, I do still like the car though.

Thanks for removing any question about the usefullness of your messages.