How to Know if You Have Bad Transaxle

Gee, it looks normal.....

From the Chirco site:

There is knocking noise at low speeds.
The driveaxle constant velocity (CV) joint(s) are worn.
Noise most pronounced when turning.
There is differential gear noise.
Clunk on acceleration or deceleration
The engine or transaxle mounts are loose.
The differential pinion shaft in case if worn.
The damaged driveaxle CV joints are worn.



Read this from Rob and Dave's VW Shadtree Mechanic site:
http://www.vw-resource.com/transmission_troubleshooting.html

So, here were my problems:
- Pops out of 3rd
- clunking noise at low speeds
- Rumble, vibration in the back (more of a bearings issue)
- At start up, couldn't find reverse, keeps going into 2nd
- After driving, can't find 2nd, wants to go to reverse

Previously, I took the transaxle out to replace the mounts and change the oil, (who knows how long ago that was done?)  So taking it out this time was fast - a mere 2 hours.  (Hey, I'm getting good at this! )

Here's another bad sign that your tranny is going South.
- My new synthetic oil was black with  shiny metal flakes
- Also the drain plug was clogged with metal shavings

So, what now?  Do I rebuild?  Nope, I don't have the tools.  Granted there are some great videos that take you step by step but this is more than I can chew.
 Next, is to let your fingers do the walking.  Pick up the phone and see if someone will rebuild or swap.  What I found was limited resources, those that have trannys in stock aren't cheap and the one guy in WA that will rebuild wasn't even sure he could rebuild because 6V parts are getting hard to find.  Most repair shops don't do rebuilds anymore, they order from larger companies that have a 3 - 4 week delay.

I decided I was going to have to suck it up and buy a 12V tranny from somewhere and probably have it shipped.  I finally found a place in CA, Lowbugget.com, they had a Freeway Flyer in stock with new axles for less than the cost of a rebuild.  YEEHAW!!  OK, I have to pay for the core charge and shipping but I should get it next week.  That's means I should be able to enjoy the Bradley for a while before the winter blows in.