Hello all,

I am wondering if it is possible to replace Main Drive Needle Bearing R502-17-283 and Main Drive (input) Bearing R501-17-295A without removing the transmission. I already have the engine removed, so access is reasonable, and it looks like the puller required for these bearings would comfortably fit in my available space in the engine bay. Access will be annoying, but hopefully manageable. I have a growling when the car is sitting in neutral (vanishes when clutch is pressed), and would like to rectify while the engine is out, but hopefully avoid the labour of removing the entire transmission if possible.

My main concern (FSM J-44) is that FSM states to install an SST (just a spacer/flat bar) between the 4th syncro and main drive syncromesh gear. I believe this is positioned to prevent other contents of the trans becoming displaced. However, in the FSM, the trans is already partially stripped down. If everything other than the input shaft was undisturbed, would that step be necessary?

If it can't be done, thats fine, but less work is preferred.

Thanks in advance!

 

Doubt it's possible, not a job I'd attempt to do in the car at any rate. You're removing the bellhousing and sump anyway, and for the added inconvenience of undoing a few other odds and ends, the increased difficulty of access would negate less work and replace it with frustration.

I could see the syncro ring on the input shaft dropping in there at a minimum, but the SST is probably to stop the outer hub and keys doing similar. If you do happen to pull the gearbox down, be warned, there are several hundred dollars worth of bearings alone (decent brand anyhow).