Millermatic

Hi all... Hoping someone can give me an idea of what I'm most likely getting myself into.

Have an '86 Turbo that I've spent the last two years rebuilding. It's back on the road... but I've got noise in the drivetrain somewhere south of the clutch.

It sounds not unlike going too fast in reverse. A medium-high pitched drone. Here's the scenario:

• Starts at about 50mph in 3rd, 4th or 5th gear (haven't tried 2nd).
• Not dependent on engine RPM... only vehicle speed.
• Happens with constant pressure on gas pedal or mild acceleration.
• Goes away completely if I push in the clutch.
• Goes away if I let off the gas and coast.
• Does not change if turning. Happens when driving perfectly straight.
• Can feel a bit of vibration through the stick.
• Fairly loud... to the point that I can't imagine a long highway trip.

I'd like to think it was wheel bearings or the rear CV... but it doesn't seem like that would go away by letting off the gas or pushing in the clutch. Assuming that's true... anyone have an idea if the pinion or the TT bearings are the better candidate?

And depending on the answer... any recommendations on who to send the transaxle to?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

931guru

Transaxle pinion bearing wear. Time for a rebuld by someone with the 10K in tools it needs.

I recommend Catellus Engineering, Kevin Gross in Massachusetts.

Millermatic

Appreciated, thanks.

Millermatic

Thought I'd close this out for those interested...

I found some pitting on the CV bearings... so those are getting replaced.

But overall... it was the pinion. Here it is:

Tough to get the true gnarliness (sp?) from pictures. The ring surfaces are similar. Assumption is that it was run with no oil and/or overheated. Had the transaxle rebuilt with a new one... for not too much less than what I originally paid for the car. (Underline, bold and italicize "originally"). Had it rebuilt by Ian at 944online - who has done about 300 of them over the years. Super helpful guy (for this and other things).

Since "I was in there," the TT is packed and ready to ship to Black Sea R&D. No idea if it really needs it... but I really don't want to drop the transaxle again any time soon and I've rebuilt pretty much everything else...

Rob 3

Thanks for sharing your findings,

Noahs944

Thanks for sharing your experience. Man, that pinion has seen better days.
Ian is a straight shooter.