Transmission Clatters Loudly in 3rd Gear

[rocketeer928]

I've got a problem with my 1973 SB Convertible that I'm hoping someone can help me with. Within the last month, when I shift into 3rd gear there is a very loud clatter. Sort of like a very loud version of when I was a kid I taped baseball cards on my bicycle and let the rear spokes clatter against the cards. The clatter happens when either accelerating or maintaining speed in 3rd gear, but not when down shifting or decelerating. No noise in 1st, 2nd, or 4th gear; just 3rd. While in 3rd if I push in the clutch, the noise ceases.

Today, I drained and put in new tranny fluid; just kinda hoping that would be a quick fix. Nope! The 3rd gear noise is still there as loud as ever. The car drives in 3rd, but it's always noisy now. The noise decibels decrease a little when the car is warmed up, but still very noticeable.

So, is my 3rd gear or perhaps the whole transmission toast? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
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1970 VW Type 3 Squareback - Cobalt Blue (Birdie)
1973 VW Type 1 Super Beetle Convertible - Red (Rosie)
2003 VW Jetta GLS TDI with RocketChip RC5-ASV-Euro tune specific to my performance modifications - Platinum Gray

[rocketeer928]

I'll also mention that when I downshift from 3rd to 2nd, I must push in the clutch, wait a few seconds, and then downshift into 2nd. If I don't do that, then without fail when I downshift into 2nd the gears will grind.

Perhaps the issue with the downshifting into 2nd and the clattering in 3rd is a bad synchronizer issue. Thoughts?
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1970 VW Type 3 Squareback - Cobalt Blue (Birdie)
1973 VW Type 1 Super Beetle Convertible - Red (Rosie)
2003 VW Jetta GLS TDI with RocketChip RC5-ASV-Euro tune specific to my performance modifications - Platinum Gray

[VW_Jimbo]

Time to pull the transmission and either rebuild it or get a rebuilt one from MCM

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=594641010649567&__tn__=C-R
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[rocketeer928]

I was looking for help and a diagnosis, and not a sales pitch. But thanks for the link.
_________________
1970 VW Type 3 Squareback - Cobalt Blue (Birdie)
1973 VW Type 1 Super Beetle Convertible - Red (Rosie)
2003 VW Jetta GLS TDI with RocketChip RC5-ASV-Euro tune specific to my performance modifications - Platinum Gray

[johnnyvw164]

Not sure what you're looking for as far as advise...the trans needs to be rebuilt.

[VW_Jimbo]

[rocketeer928]

Okay, okay. I got it. No need to get so testy. I wasn't hot under the collar when I responded, but was seeking a bit more info in terms of a more detailed diagnosis. Actually, for some reason I'm not allowed access to that link that was shared..
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1970 VW Type 3 Squareback - Cobalt Blue (Birdie)
1973 VW Type 1 Super Beetle Convertible - Red (Rosie)
2003 VW Jetta GLS TDI with RocketChip RC5-ASV-Euro tune specific to my performance modifications - Platinum Gray

[Starbucket]

Have you tried adjusting the shifter (centered front/back and side to side) also look at your shift coupler to see if it's shot (under rear seat, under that plate on the tunnel), but yes the trans is shot if these checks don't solve the problem.

[johneliot]

The grinding when you downshift into second is the syncro. When you pause with the clutch you are allowing the speed of the two gears to match. Old school double clutching. Again, the only fix is to rebuild the transmission like was said.
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John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
Mark Twain

69 bug - "The Grey Ghost"

[rocketeer928]

Thanks for the help/advice. More work and more $$$.
_________________
1970 VW Type 3 Squareback - Cobalt Blue (Birdie)
1973 VW Type 1 Super Beetle Convertible - Red (Rosie)
2003 VW Jetta GLS TDI with RocketChip RC5-ASV-Euro tune specific to my performance modifications - Platinum Gray

[KKiley]

I bought one off Craigslist that came from a running car for $175. That's the best advice I have.
Good luck.
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1978 Super Beetle convertible

Click to view image

[johneliot]

Welcome to the world of old cars!
_________________
John

There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress.
Mark Twain

69 bug - "The Grey Ghost"

[Lingwendil]

3rd gear synchro sounds like it's shot, and maybe a few chipped teeth on the gears themselves. Gotta come apart and it's a fairly advanced setup to rebuild these transaxles properly.

Did you find any metal in the gear oil when it was drained?
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Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087!

[rocketeer928]

[KKiley]

I still don't know what advice you are looking for. Your tranny has major issues. Either:
Rebuild it
Buy a rebuilt replacement
Buy a used one and hope for the best
Which door do you want?
Your choice
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1978 Super Beetle convertible

Click to view image