Re: Tranny Rebuild

[ScottyCBoy@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/31/98 5:36:09 PM Central Standard Time,
apowell@ezlink.com writes:

<< On rebuilding a 5K slush:
 
 The tranny in your car is the same tranny as in the VW Vanagon.  
 BTDT and a good tranny guy in cental TX did the rebuild.
 
 The tranny is marginal for Audi use - not the best decision 
 VW/Audi ever made.
 
 If you find a shop that's good with VW trannies, they can do this.  
 Problem is that the normal failure is the seals (like small piston 
 rings) on the hydraulic pump, and the replacement part is about 
 $600.  My rebuild cost $1500.  
 
 New parts are not an option - Audi doesn't even sell a new tranny 
 separately.  You must you buy the assembly with transaxle: $3000 
 for the assembly, thanks.
 
 Used trannies are a possibility, but this failure is so common I 
 would NOT do it that way.  Too much chance of problems.  If you 
 can find a rebuilt with a warranty, that might be a good option. If 
 not, find a decent shop, rebuild, and when you put it back together, 
 use synthetic tranny lube (Amsoil, RedLine or Mobil 1) and extend 
 its life by doing so. >>

DO NOT buy a used tranny unless you know for a fact it's history and service
intervals.  All VW automatics up to 88 are similar to the Audi Gearbox,
Porsche 944/924 autos are the similar units.  The strongest auto boxes come
from Audi Turbo's or porsche 944's.  Audi Dealer parts are rather pricey, but
porsche parts are somewhat less expensive.  When I build a ox I purchase a
friction kit from German Transaxle or transmission and buy the rest from
Porsche/Audi Dealer.  Total cost for a complete kit minus the final drive
seals and bearing is just a hair under 400 Bucks minus the pump, if the pump
is bad that's another three hundred.  Time to rebuild is about 12-15 hours for
me including removal/installation.  I've rebuilt 6 of these boxes so far and
have had problems with only one of them.  


Scotty