• Registered: 2005-08-23
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Noisy 1968 Semi Automatic Transmission

I'm the proud owner of a 1968 AS which I've recently got back on the road here in the UK. As most people over here use stick shifts a Auto VW is pretty rare here so it's difficult to find info. Hopefully one of you guys may be able to help :-)

Basically she runs fine but on acceleration in any gear a loud grinding noise appears to come from the transmission. I've checked the gearbox oil and all is fine with the levels. For info the mileage on the car is pretty low for the year - 80,000. Does anyone have any experience of something similar or any idea what may be causing it?

  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Noisy 1968 Semi Automatic Transmission

Mike (Bookwus)....Where are you???

  • From: City of Roses
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 793

Re: Noisy 1968 Semi Automatic Transmission

Hiya David,

Sorry Clancy, I was in the bathroom.................

David, this does not sound too good. 

However, before you think seriously about dropping the transmission, I'd urge you to examine your CV joints.  Pull the half-shafts and take your CVs off.  Take a good look at them.  You don't want to see excessive wear or galling on the cage or the ball bearings.  Although this can be THE messiest job in servicing a VW it is not terribly difficult.  The Bentley (even better in this case is Muir's Idiot Book) can walk you right through it.  However, be VERY careful in removing the Allen head bolts which hold the half-shaft/CV assembly in place.  Clean the heads scrupulously and be sure your wrench is a perfect fit.

Suppose the CVs are in great shape - what then?  Then it's probably time to pull the transmission out.  The most likely cause of the noise is the final drive.  Adjusting it is pretty close to rocket science, so this is a job best left to professionals, if you can find one.

But, in all honsety David, it's pretty difficult to diagnose "inside the case" transmission (especially an AutoStick) related problems via e-mail.  Were I you, I'd examine the CVs as a first step and if that pans out, I'd find a good VW transmission tech and let him take it from that point.

Mike

1970 AS Bug

Mike

1970 AS Bug
1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck
  • From: City of Roses
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 793

Re: Noisy 1968 Semi Automatic Transmission

Hiya 68,

I have no earthly reason for calling you David.  I have no idea what possessed me to do so.  Unless, of course, your name is David.

Mike

Mike

1970 AS Bug
1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck
  • Registered: 2005-08-23
  • Posts: 2

Re: Noisy 1968 Semi Automatic Transmission

Thanks Mike, my thoughts had pointed me to the CV joints, as generally (quote from my Dad to be exact) first place to look for a problem is the place you've previously messed with! I do seem to remember replacing a split CV boot in the long distant past without making much of an effort to check the condition of the joint but I havn't actually got around to looking into them in any detail as that black grease is never fun to work with!

Also, on re-reading my post I probably over stated the grinding, it's not that loud, but something is definitely not rotating as it should...

I'll let you know how I get on.

Good guess on my name though, except you got the middle one :-)

Cheers,
Chris

  • From: City of Roses
  • Registered: 2004-03-29
  • Posts: 793

Re: Noisy 1968 Semi Automatic Transmission

Hiya Chris,

Before you get into your CV joints, know this............the AutoStick transmission is a reliable and hearty unit.  Like it's manual brother it needs good maintenance for it to perform well.  Most (I've seen estimates as high as 90%) of the problems you are likely to encounter with an AutoStick can be handled without ever having to get inside the case.  In other words, there's a good chance that your problem can be solved without pulling the transmission.

However, do spend some time finding an AutoStick savvy technician.  They are worth their weight in gold when you have problems.  That might be a tough quest in jolly old England, but try anyway.  And here's a resource for you.............the address for the Volkswagen Automatic Register..........http://www.vwar.org/   A good technical site, this is a resource dedicated to the AutoStick, and it is European.  The folks there might be of some help in the usual maintenance and locating local help.

Best of luck and keep us up-to-date.

Mike

1970 AS Bug

Mike

1970 AS Bug
1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck