G50 pinion bearing howling...

[Carbster]

To rebuild or what? Ive seen prices excess of 5k for a used one, so Id rather rebuild it maybe? Seems a bit over my head, my mechanic says weve got to tear up quite a bit to reach that bearing, I assume its more than her wants to take on. Im sure it will need a syncro(s) and who knows what else with the mileage.

I dont want motormiestered and am not building a 500 hp firebreathing dragon. Its a plain jane 1987 Guards Red Carrera with 200k. Im dropping the engine to attend to some smalls and debating what to do with the tranny. Run it till its history or pull it.

Can someone recommend a solid rebuilder? Ive seen Vertex ads, know nothing about them. I dont want a pile of junk back with a paint job and a bearing. I can slap in a bearing or two and screw it up myself and for free

[1990C4S]

There is a guy in Connecticut, Gary somebody...Fairbanks?

A G-50 can be done at home. If you can borrow a few tools.

[Carbster]

I have searched here for G50 rebuild threads but only found a shaft shorting thread. I would entertain the idea but at the end of the day, it may be a speciaist job.

I know I can tear things apart, its getting them perfectly operable afterward;-)

I have a fair mechcanical knowledge and skill level, tools as well, it is just a bit intimidating.

[Nine, Frau!]

There are experts here that can help you. I've read a lot of useful posts from Matt Monson here. I would send it to him or John Walker.

[Carbster]

Thx Nine. An expert with a good rep is what I'm looking for and why I love this forum. After buying an FJ-40 years back I found a good forum essential to success, not only that but entertaining and supportive.

I will try and find these folks here. I just want to get the old girl right as rain w/I tossing stupid $. I've had my 911 now for 4 months or so and am in love once again; like a teenager almost!!!

[KTL]

Get a copy of the factory manual if you are going to DIY it. There are some setup things you need to know and of course torque specs for tightening things.

I have an electronic copy of a 993 manual (G50 6 speed) if you'd like to get familiar with the inner workings of the later G50. Let me know and i'll email it to you.

[Carbster]

I'm not opposed to DIY but I've not done a complicated trans before. I have tools but not specialized stuff. Is this a 3 banana job or a 5-6? I don't want it blowing up and leaving me a pile of junk. Lately things haven't been going well in my shop.
I just had some bad headwork done by a machinist, he knurled a valve seat for a custom big valve head; when it let loose on the Dyno it blew up 4k in motorcycle engine parts! Then machinist butthole said it was my timing!!! Unreal... I trust myself but the shop Karma has been poor lately

[KTL]

I hear what you're saying. It's not highly specialized. Close friend of mine built his G50 for his racecar and also did some gear replacement/upgrade on a local guy's 964 Turbo. Point being is he doesn't have all the special tools. I recall him saying the key tools are the long socket (can make one yourself with a big piece of pipe and a welder) and a very long gear puller.

That's why I suggested to start with the 993 manual and just flip thru it to see what you're in for.

[1990C4S]

The long gear puller is the main requirement. There are work-arounds for the others.

There are enough people here to help if you get into trouble.

[Carbster]

Sounds good. My Pcar mech. Should know the deal. I'm not sure why he didn't advise we take it on. I know he likes engine dropping, maybe he enjoys trying to break a record. I'll reach out to u with a pm for my email. I do some home work then. Thanks a mil.

[Carbster]

Talking with my mechanic he says it's not problem to tear into but the setup of the pinion depth is critical, shims etc and that the bearing race separation from the case can be problematic with gulling etc. he wants to send it to a specialist who deals with these trannys or thinks we run the risk of damage to the case and or also the gear set.

I'm inclined to take him at his word; he knows his stuff and has been specializing in Italian and German cars for many years.

I don't want to downplay any of the folks here and appreciate all the great advice. If you all know of a shop that can help me I would appreciate it.

I trust this mechanic more than anyone and I've been through a few. I want him to be comfortable with the repair, he wants my stuff to be spot on and me be happy.

[Deadeye]

The R & P set up is critical on these boxes for a long and happy life. Very expensive to replace if not shimmed properly. Send or take it to a shop with lots of experience working on G-50's

[1990C4S]

If it is the pinion then send it to Gary Fairbanks.

If it is just a 'bearing' in the gear set you can do it.

[Carbster]

I've dealt with pinion bearings howling, little to no doubt thats the problem. I have had them go at about 200k in Toyotas and a type 1 VW. Easy in a live axle cheap in a VW, Pcar is well, pcar $ :-P!

[Carbster]

Looks like Gary is the go to guy. Ill phone him up today and see what he says. I only want to fix what's needed. Now is the time to do it and sort out my vacuum leaks, clutch and check my valve train and studs. I don't want to rebuild the engine until winter of 14' but I probably damned myself mentioning it...
Thx to all for input