TheSamba.com :: View topic - Replaced transmission supports... shifter now way more forward.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:36 am

Even after changing my transmission, I had problems with the shifter slapping aggressively when going on a slight incline and then popping out of gear. It happens on flat ground too with enough acceleration. We changed the front and back supports, installed complete clutch,l kit, the gland nut because the bearing was toast...and the problem went away. 250 miles later, it's back. I'm seriously starting to feel defeated at this point. After changing everything, the selector is significantly further forward. First gear hits the hand brake. I don't know of the two are related but I really could use some help before I set my bus on fire and fly home.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:07 pm

Check the shift bushing in the front and the shift coupler in the back.
Shifter Parts ID

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:10 pm

You know, I've seen your posts but never really paid that much attention. I seem to remember engine tear down. Then something about 4 different transmissions. Now tranny supports and a gear shifter hitting the parking brake. I believe you have some kind of bastard bus from South America that most of us couldn't really be experts on. A 1987 bay/splitty hybrid with god knows what for an engine as well as transmission at this point. I guess what at least I need at this point is a frame of reference so we are both talking about the same thing. I need to know what you've got before I can comment on what to do to fix it.

Seems like we had another guy once who bought a bus down there and constantly was having trouble keeping it running and it became one drama following another. Thing is, what most of us didn't know until later was that he was feeding off that drama. Not that I'm saying you are.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:11 pm

You do not mention what year you have. Later bus had what you could call a two piece shift rod, if the collar is lose, grub screw lose and the rods separate a little or come closer together than you might have some erratic shifting. Make sure the shift coupling in the rear is good. Also the ball selector in the shift housing may of popped out or broken, early ones were metal, later ones were plastic. Also the selector arm have been know to bend (not easy to do) and the selector bracket break (very common). Any of those in the shift housing will cause weird shifting.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:27 pm

I tried chiming in when he had his transaxle apart to try and give my 2 cents in help. I found it frustrating at best. I couldn't go the distance. :?

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:32 pm

aeromech wrote: You know, I've seen your posts but never really paid that much attention. I seem to remember engine tear down. Then something about 4 different transmissions. Now tranny supports and a gear shifter hitting the parking brake. I believe you have some kind of bastard bus from South America that most of us couldn't really be experts on. A 1987 bay/splitty hybrid with god knows what for an engine as well as transmission at this point. I guess what at least I need at this point is a frame of reference so we are both talking about the same thing. I need to know what you've got before I can comment on what to do to fix it.

Seems like we had another guy once who bought a bus down there and constantly was having trouble keeping it running and it became one drama following another. Thing is, what most of us didn't know until later was that he was feeding off that drama. Not that I'm saying you are.

I don't rely on YouTube views to pay for my trip. Drama is the last thing I need. I'm a disabled US vet who gave up pills for pain and started traveling instead because it's peaceful and enjoyable and keeps me sane. This bus is doing the opposite.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:38 pm

busman78 wrote: You do not mention what year you have. Later bus had what you could call a two piece shift rod, if the collar is lose, grub screw lose and the rods separate a little or come closer together than you might have some erratic shifting. Make sure the shift coupling in the rear is good. Also the ball selector in the shift housing may of popped out or broken, early ones were metal, later ones were plastic. Also the selector arm have been know to bend (not easy to do) and the selector bracket break (very common). Any of those in the shift housing will cause weird shifting.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:39 pm

sodbuster wrote: I tried chiming in when he had his transaxle apart to try and give my 2 cents in help. I found it frustrating at best. I couldn't go the distance. :?
I'm sorry. I hardly ever have wifi and did not see your reply otherwise I would have replied. Thank you for taking the time to help. I will try and find the post.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:40 pm

busman78 wrote: You do not mention what year you have. Later bus had what you could call a two piece shift rod, if the collar is lose, grub screw lose and the rods separate a little or come closer together than you might have some erratic shifting. Make sure the shift coupling in the rear is good. Also the ball selector in the shift housing may of popped out or broken, early ones were metal, later ones were plastic. Also the selector arm have been know to bend (not easy to do) and the selector bracket break (very common). Any of those in the shift housing will cause weird shifting.
It's a 99 by Brazil standards but it's running 80s components

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:42 pm

aeromech wrote: You know, I've seen your posts but never really paid that much attention. I seem to remember engine tear down. Then something about 4 different transmissions. Now tranny supports and a gear shifter hitting the parking brake. I believe you have some kind of bastard bus from South America that most of us couldn't really be experts on. A 1987 bay/splitty hybrid with god knows what for an engine as well as transmission at this point. I guess what at least I need at this point is a frame of reference so we are both talking about the same thing. I need to know what you've got before I can comment on what to do to fix it.

Seems like we had another guy once who bought a bus down there and constantly was having trouble keeping it running and it became one drama following another. Thing is, what most of us didn't know until later was that he was feeding off that drama. Not that I'm saying you are.
The difference between Ben and I is he was looking for the cheapest solution because he had no money. Money and time are not my problem. Finding the right answer is. I have been to six mechanics who all have reputations. I have ten other Kombi friends who have zero problems...

It makes me wonder if there is something much more seriously wrong like a slightly bent part of the frame that could be causing problems. Obviously not that exact scenario...but something that is so unconventional and would go unnoticed that I'm basically chasing a ghost.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:54 pm

Okay great. We still need, or at least I still need, to know what you have so I can try and help. Pictures or the engine and transmission and underside of the bus would help. Telling me it's a 99 but has 80's components doesn't do it.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:15 pm

aeromech wrote: Okay great. We still need, or at least I still need, to know what you have so I can try and help. Pictures or the engine and transmission and underside of the bus would help. Telling me it's a 99 but has 80's components doesn't do it.
X2, Bens Bus had some variation of a type1 transmission in it. Take pictures of transmission, engine & all mounting points.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:22 pm

The picture is of the shifter not the shift rod, the shift rod is under the bus, front joins with the shifter the rear of the shift rod couples to the trans via a coupler. Now you have a 90 aka 80's so all bets are off as to what shift rod you have, need to slide under it for a little peek.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:41 pm

Also, from the look of your shifter (how dirty it is) it doesn't look like you've adjusted it at all. Loosen up those two bolts and slide the base forward. That should help your shift knob to not hit the parking brake handle. The Bentley has the procedure for the adjustment.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:36 pm

Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:42 pm

aeromech wrote: Also, from the look of your shifter (how dirty it is) it doesn't look like you've adjusted it at all. Loosen up those two bolts and slide the base forward. That should help your shift knob to not hit the parking brake handle. The Bentley has the procedure for the adjustment.
You mean back, don't you? :wink:

Whatever way you slide it don't loosen the bolts too much, just 1 turn from torqued, and tap on the shfter base so it slides straight back (or forward) without disturbing the plate pinched between it and the floor or your next post will be about how you can't find reverse or 4th.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:47 pm

One thing I noticed while under there is that the shift rod(?) Is resting on the components underneath it. I compared that to a few other Kombis around the shop and they all have about an inch of clearance

Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:51 pm

Its pretty embarrassing posting photos that are so dirty lol. I just got back from four months of muddy Patagonia and haven't even taking the floor kst out to clean it until now :(

Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:58 pm

The problem with the slapping gear shifter has always been remedied with a new transmission support in front. This is the fourth time this has happened. However the support is brand new....200 miles new. I just went 200 on some back roads and my suspension is pretty shot. We're going to rebuild front and back next week. Is it plausible to assume that having poor suspension (resulting is very excessive body rolling and bouncing up and down) could have just caused the support to go bad that fast? I don't remember any severe smashes.... but it wasn't a gentle ride.

Tue Jun 06, 2017 3:06 pm

The front trans mount looks like it might have separated, if so, you might just be victim of poor quality aftermarket parts. try leveraging the transmission up, if it moves up excessively & the rubber no longer seems attached, then its your mount... again.

A whipped mount will tear up your shifter support bushings too.

That transmission definitely looks more type1 than the type2 as we know them.

It's weird seeing frame horns on a Bus.