My wife's 69 bug is making a howling noise which stops when the clutch is pressed in. I've read that this is probably the input shaft bearing, but here's another issue: It grinds when you try to downshift while moving.
Is this worth attempting to fix or should I just replace the transmission?
Thanks Tom
So when was the clutch and throw out bearing last replaced? Have you tried adjust clutch free-play? It might not even be the transmission - check the obvious first.
I agree; look into the clutch first.
Try this test: At idle, clutch to the floor, very, very slowly try to engage Reverse. If it grinds, the clutch is not completely dis-engaging.
Speedy Jim
Could be the t/o bearing, or an internal bearing in the trans (happened to me some years ago).
The t/o bearing is a $25 or so part, and if it's noisy now, it will of course fail in time (and get a lot noisier before then).
If it is the trans, you will need a rebuilt unit, but probably not for some time (according to what I have read). Change the trans oil, and drive the car regularly to keep the internals lubed.
The VW that I had with trans noise was allowed to sit for some months, and when used again the trans noise/growl had become an unbearable shriek. Definitly was not the t/o bearing, coz I replaced that w/clutch after the noise appeared.
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" ..... I ain't no bandleader!!"
It's not the clutch. I have no trouble getting into first or reverse, but I do have trouble downshifting to 2nd (but not 3rd). I've heard it could be a syncro, and the noise a bad bearing.
Tom
What you've heard is correct. Both problems require dismantling of the transmission, and dismantling it will probably reveal other problems too. Replacing the transmission with another one in good condition is the cheapest and easier solution (or maybe exchange it with a rebuilt one).
Bill, '67 bug.
I have the exact same problem. One thing I have noticed with mine is that now when its cold out..... say 45 degrees mine shifts into second just fine and there is no howling. As the car is driven for 5 minutes or so and everything warms up it will gradually get rougher to shift unless I wait for the sweet spot and the howling picks up again. Don't know if yours does that or if that can give anyone a better clue as to what my issue is. Clutch and throwout are good on mine. Doug
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