Club 80-90 Forums

has anyone ever changed one.how easy/difficult was it...

Sorry Rob never done one and if you were closer i'd come up and give you a hand as I got an auto and would like the experience,

It doesn't look to bad to do according to the book except an extra pair of hands wouldn't go amiss to seperate the box and keep the torque converter in place as well as encouragement.

good luck and hope it stays dry if you're doing it outside

Nothing really special except they are much heavier than a manual box. it even wouldn't be a bad idea to see if you could rent a transmission floor jack to help-and it will,a lot.

Once torque convertor is seperated from flywheel its just like a manual.

How reliable are these as a general rule?

There's a 2.1 automatic for sale near me, and it wouldn't need MOT etc. as it's already on Manx numberplates...

....bit of an Isle of Man markup on the price though methinks!

I did one in the new year. Well, what I mean is, I paid someone to do it. I normally do my own jobs, but the gearbox was so heavy I let someone else do it. Gave him a bit of a lift though, and it seems as easy as one with a clutch. Just unbolt the torque convertor through the back of the engine, disconnect the selector cable and the kick down off the throttle, the drive shaft bolts and that's about it. Well, apart from the mount and the engine bolts, but you even leave the starter in place. I think you'll also have to disconnect the water cooler pipes on yours as well. Apart from the weight, it was fairly easy - my friend had a 4 poster ramp rather than me crawling under it on the street!

very reliable dan.i never thought.i would take to an auto.but now i think its great.i read someplace.that the auto box was the strongest gearbox vw made.for these vans..

How reliable are these as a general rule?

R0B wrote:.i read someplace.that the auto box was the strongest gearbox vw made.for these vans..

I can beleve that, I think there design dates back to 70's Audis rather than beetles 30 years older than that and with 1/3 of the power a T3 has.

Our old bus certainly never had anything more than the fluids/serviceing done when specified to the box in 170k miles. Only fault the van developed gearbox related was the bulb failed on the gearleaver elumination .

It was the same gearbox - with a different transaxle obviously - as used in Audi 80s and 100s. When mine went I was looking for them in Audi's as well as VW's, but in the end I found a VW one, which meant I didn't have to split an Audi one off the transaxle and put it on mine. Not the hardest job to do though, just needs a new gasket between them and renew the 2 seals on the drive shaft thing. I have a Haynes manual 'cos I had a 1991 Audi 80 2 ltr and it's deffo the same looking at the pictures.

I've not changed one yet - but I've got a spare one in my garage and I can confirm it is very heavy! (I got it from T3 Monkey Boy off Brick-Yard) Mine has done 188k with no problems.

Rob - what is the reason you are changing yours? I would also clean and paint the replacement with heat resistant paint before you install - the torque convertor seems to rust a lot due to heat build up and water - maybe it is worth removing this as well for a check.

Doh! Just remembered that you do have to take the starter off when changing the gearbox. It was when I changed the engine that I left it on. So, new engine and new gearbox. Just need a new body....

sorry mate.only just noticed i didnt answer your question.the box no longer changes gear.and when i took the filter out from the atf box.a lot of it has disintegrated.and i assume been sucked up into the oil ways.and that is stopping it changing....

Rob - what is the reason you are changing yours?

maybe.get one for the van.as well.whilst your at it....

Just need a new body