Auto Trans shaft play
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
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From: Lancaster PA
Auto Trans shaft play
Awhile back I remember a thread about a clunk being caused by to much play at the rear transmission bushing. I have a 94 that has a clunk when shifting hard to second. Today I discovered that the tail shaft has a good bit of play. How much play is acceptable and what is involved in replacing the bushing? Thanks
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I do not know the exact amount of play that is too much. I put a new bushing in the case of every trans I assemble. I will go outside and measure Nico's fresh trans. TOTAL trans dissassembly is nescessary to replace it.
Race Director
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I have 2 fresh rebuilds in the garage. Both have new case bushings. Up and down movement is about .025. I have another about to be rebuilt 700,with approx 75k since it's last bushing change(rebuild) It has about .060 up and down play. Based on the wiggle test., the latter seems to be about 1/2 shot, in my opinion. I would be worried if it was more than 1/8 inch (.125) This is just my opinion though. There is no spec in the manual to justifly my statements.
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Originally Posted by CF6873
pete, Thanks for the info. I don't think mine is anywhere near an 1/8" but I will measure it on Monday when I'm back under it.
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Originally Posted by CF6873
At this point the driveshaft is still in the car and there is some movement. Should I remove it to measure the shaft movement?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
Pete, my trans has a bronze bushing in the tail stock. Is this the bearing you are talking about? If so why would you have to do a dissassembly to put in a new bushing? If you are refering to any of the gear set bearings I see you point.
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Race Director
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Originally Posted by Muffin
Pete, my trans has a bronze bushing in the tail stock. Is this the bearing you are talking about? If so why would you have to do a dissassembly to put in a new bushing? If you are refering to any of the gear set bearings I see you point.
Years ago, I had a vibration I could not find. Turns out it was a spun case (outout shaft) bushing. It ruinded my case, and my week.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
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From: Lancaster PA
Okay, I got the rear out and the drivie shaft out. The output shaft of the trans definetly has some major play. I noticed that it looks like the tail housing is easily removed. What is involved to replace the bushing. Is it pressed in? Will this tighten the shaft movement? and where can I get a new bushing? GM dealer? Are there any gaskets involved? Thanks
Race Director
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The bushing that supports the case is pressed into the case. It is driven in from the front. It requires total disassembly of the trans to install. The amount of labor, skill level, and tools involved makes this a job for a pro. Classic case of a $3 part causing a ton of heartburn.If you need help, let me know. I see you are kind of close.
Last edited by Pete K; Feb 19, 2006 at 08:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 14
From: Lancaster PA
Would it make any sense to just replace the one in the tail housing that supports the yoke. This would have to be some improvement wouldn't it? I really don't want to drop the trans unless it is absolutely necesary.The car has 80K miles on it. Is this normal wear for that mileage? Thanks
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Originally Posted by CF6873
Would it make any sense to just replace the one in the tail housing that supports the yoke. This would have to be some improvement wouldn't it? I really don't want to drop the trans unless it is absolutely necesary.The car has 80K miles on it. Is this normal wear for that mileage? Thanks
