bunch of transmission fixes

[alauder]

I bought a side shift tranny off a local 914 owner who was doing a conversion to an Audi TT engine and tranny. It is not in my car yet so I don't know how it runs but there are some question marks with it.

1) In the shift fork assembly on the side of the transmission. The ball joint that is held on to the shifting fork with a press fit pin is loose. i.e. it moves relative to the shift fork. It appears to be a loose fit from wear on the steel bar of the shift fork. Do I need a new one? Has anyone else seen this?

2) How hard is it to change the throw out bearing?

3) How hard is it to change the main shaft seal? Does this require completely dismantling the transmission?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

1) If the wear really is on the bar of the selector rod, then you probably do need a new one. I suggest taking that apart and inspecting for where the wear is. And make sure that the slop really is there.

2) Trivial, if the tranny is out. The throw-out bearing just slips onto the throw-out arm.

3) Not hard. It takes some work if you don't have the proper-sized mandrel, but it is doable without disassembling the tranny. Simply pull out the old one and tap the new one in. I don't remember if it goes in flush or further or what. Check Haynes; I think they have some details on this.

--DD