Vasir

When I get the time later today I'm going to sit and research some more. I can't find any clutch replacement records, even though I remember the po talked about it being replaced not too long ago- I may call him to ask; but my neighbor came over and saw whatsup and mentioned a lot of cars just do that bag of marbles sound in neutral and maybe change the oil to something else? I may do this $60 experiment before I drop the trans.... I have to buy a trans lift and a engine support brace anyway so it's not like it will come down today. Plus my sl600 is in pieces as well and I feel like I went through a minor psychosis last night putting up the 996 and draining the oil. I look like a Beverly hillbilly to my friends and family, I'm sure.

Adker

I had a pinon bearing that was bad on the car when I purchased it. Pulled the transmission and had it rebuilt and replaced the clutch,TOB etc. I noticed a sound after everything was back together (like in the recording) when the car was at idle and the clutch out, almost like something lightly banging around but seconds apart. I traced it back to the transmission, not the engine. I was concerned something was up but after doing some searches, I discovered this was not that uncommon. I have 10K on the car and no issues.

https://rennlist.com/forums/10570560-post15.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/10576031-post26.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/10517176-post1.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/6671833-post10.html

Vasir

this is relieving news. across the internet i read of this tranny in neutral marbles in a can sound.

for the last hour ive been trying to open the filler plug to no avail. i used a long wrench to leverage the allen tool, and on top of that used a floor jack to add pressure in hopes of breaking it loose. the allen wrench bent.. back to the drawing board.

Ahsai

You need a 1/2" drive hex bit socket + breaker bar. No chance with an allen wrench. Also tried some PB blaster?

jrgordonsenior

Put some heat on it....

Vasir

Ran to the store as you were typing this. I'm literally under the car now. Worked like a charm (I feel a little stupid but whatever).

Thanks!

Vasir

update: changed the trans fluid to somethign else. little to no change. Slammed on the clutch a couple times in thought it might be that, no change. a friend sourced a transmission for me- im riding this one out till it breaks, or till i cant take it anymore. the only thing that concerns me is the fact that i wouldnt be able to hear anything else over that sound... we'll see how this one pans out. Miles logged: 25.

hah. sorry for the waffling. im just a 'dont fix it till its broken' type of guy.

Imo000

I'm doing the same thing with my transmission. It's howling like a straight cut gear gearbox. I would still drop the sump pan and looka t what's in it. The vario cam tensioner pads at 170 are around the end of their life. Its a $20 piece ( need 2 pairs, $40) if they break, it can end with bent valves or more. My non runner '99 had this happen. They are not too dificult to change but the valve covers need to come off.

Adker

There are two bearings in the transmission that have a history of making noise, both are sealed bearings. One is the input shaft and the other is the pinion bearing. I was very lucky, my pinion bearing looked like a chewed up IMS bearing but the seals were still in place. The shop said that the pinion gears on the 996 are VERY expensive so you don't want to put metal into them. All the rest of the transmission looked like new except for the bearing. They also replaced three sycros and it is as good as new.

Bottom line, any used transmission should have the two sealed bearing replaced because it is just a matter of time before they become problematic.
Anyone looking for a race shop in Florida that does really good, reasonable priced Pcar, VW and Audi transmission service, drop me a PM. Three transmission rebuilds (track car, spare and the 996) and couldn't be happier.

Imo000

How much was the rebuild cost, not including the labour to remove and replace the transmission?

XR4Tim

My money is on throw-out bearing as well.

Adker

I did the R&R. Shipping added $245, total = $2,375 (also fitted LSD)

misc freight on trans parts /special order dealer 1 45.00 45.00
996 302 808 00 pinion brg 1 508.00 508.00
996 302 807 00 main shaft bearing 1 349.90 349.90
syncro rings ( 2nd 3rd 4th ) 3 131.00 393.00
limited slip unit ( customer supplied) 1 0.00 -


TOTAL SERVICES (shipping) $200.00
TOTAL PARTS $1,295.90
TOTAL LABOR $880.00

TOTAL $2,375.90

eagle11401

Vasir

so ive moved on from the rattle and now im attacking the misfires/cam sensor.

I see the sensor, i cleared the space for it. but is there a trick to get this out? my allen wrench barely fits in there and i cant twist it off for the life ot me. im letting it soak in wd40 and will reattack in a few.

b8_rdc

If encountering rusted parts Kroil works a lot better than WD40 and even better than PB blaster. (added reference)