TheSamba.com :: View topic - Strange Noise Taking Off in First Gear / 1961 Bug

Fri Aug 29, 2025 5:57 am

When I take off in first gear there is like a strange moaning (not a rattle or grinding) sound from the rear of the vehicle. Sometimes it's really loud, sometimes you can barely hear it. And it is only made when I take off in first. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Fri Aug 29, 2025 8:35 am

Check the oil level.

Fri Aug 29, 2025 10:55 am

Will do!

Fri Aug 29, 2025 11:25 am

X2 on checking oil level of both engine and trans. Also check front trans mount for slop and make sure engine mount bolts are tight.

Fri Aug 29, 2025 12:08 pm

I will add that to the list. Ty!

Fri Aug 29, 2025 6:28 pm

1960 and earlier Beetles had a non synchro first gear. The teeth were square cut and had a distinct sound when taking off. Could be that your 61 has an earlier transmission.

Sat Aug 30, 2025 12:42 am

Thank you for that information!

Sat Aug 30, 2025 9:22 am

tasb wrote: 1960 and earlier Beetles had a non synchro first gear. The teeth were square cut and had a distinct sound when taking off. Could be that your 61 has an earlier transmission.

Could be his 1961 is really a 1960, just mistitled.

Sat Aug 30, 2025 12:41 pm

I miss the sound my late 1955 oval made in first gear. Kinda reminded me of the old time radio shows.

Sun Aug 31, 2025 3:38 pm

The non synchro first gear trannys are easy to identify. The tranny case is a split type in the non synchro first gear types, the later fully synchro is a tunnel case type.
The split type case has a right and left side of the case as separate bolt together halves, much the engine case is designed. the bolts along this split, right down the middle are easy to see. The later tunnel type has no such case half bolts,

You can check the level by removing the fill plug , fluid should be filled up the the fill plug opening

Then with the fill plug still removed, remove the drain plug and quickly install the fill plug in its place in the drain hole, be quick so little fluid is lost. Now you can take your time to clean the drain plug magnet. The little oil that does spill, catch in pan and check for if it has gone dark or has metal bits like a glitter in the oil. If either or both js the case, then she is do for a fluid change. Do this when cold so little fluid is lost.

For best results drain when hot. NEVER drain the tranny without first assuring that the fill plug is not stuck, seized in place. You dont want to drain it with no way to refill it!,,

Tranny oil oft leaks from torn axle tube boots, and torn boots also let the dirty stuff get in. Inspect the boots.