should I rebuild '98 Legacy 5 spd tranny?

[rx35285]

I had the tranny in my '98 Legacy 5 spd replaced when it got very loud and, as I recall, hard to shift.  I kept the bad tranny.  I can easily wiggle the input shaft.  Is it worth having a shop open it up for the purpose of replacing the rear input shaft bearing, or is there likely major collateral damage to other parts?  I know this isn't much to go on, but I've read about 50 other posts on this topic and the replies are reasoned and helpful.

 

Thanks!

dave

[AdventureSubaru]

Sounds like a big gamble to pay a shop to do it. For the money you'd pay them, you could buy a used trans or two from a yard.

 

You could follow the write ups on here to replace it yourself and just see. If it's a dud, you're only out the cost of a bearing and a little time, but you'll learn along the way.

[rx35285]

Thanks for the quick feedback...yeah, I don't have a feel for what a shop repair would cost.  I found two local shops since my first post and I'll get estimates this week.  

 

Of course the "spare" trans was replaced by a used one...this was about a year ago...and now it's starting to make noise.  I had good intentions of tearing it apart myself, but the comments about removing the bearing are a little intimidating and I let other priorities get in the way.

 

My concern about going after another used trans is the high mileage, ie, how much life is left.

 

I appreciate the conversation!

[AdventureSubaru]

Check the gear oil and maybe replace it if it hasn't been done in a while. The 5MT is kind of a growly transmission to begin with. They are usually pretty tough. I'm finally replacing mine at 277,000 miles which has included lift/big tires, towing several cars and boat, light off roading and driving through rivers. It finally started popping out of gear.

 

The downfall of many of them is that kids tend to drive them hard. Any of the more "riced" Subarus seem to have more issues - especially on the drivetrain. Even the 5MT will only take so much abuse. If you can find a trans that has been maintained and not abused, I wouldn'tb e concerned on mileage so much. The trans I'm putting in has about 180k. Replaced the trans in my wife's car with one that had 170k about 2 years and 55,000 miles ago. Still going fine.

[AdventureSubaru]

I also hear that bad transmissions make a great boat anchor!

[Fairtax4me]

I've been through 3 of these. All of them had bad synchros on 2 and 3. If the synchros are still good its not bad to pull the trans apart yourself and have a shop press a new bearing on. The part is only about $50 from Subaru.

Paying a shop to tear down the trans would push the cost well beyond what one of these transmissions is worth.

[rx35285]

I'll include that option when I talk to the two local trans rebuild shops in the next week or so. Thanks for the encouragement.

[rx35285]

I didn't follow my plan.  Instead of talking to local shops about a rebuild, I lugged the trans to the basement and used Gloyale's instructions to tear it apart.  http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/87305-easy-transmission-front-seal-replacement/

 

The ball bearing has some play in it just as many folks on this board have said goes with the audio symptoms.  I expected to see wear on other parts and metal particles on the drain plug, but the trans is really clean.  I just ordered the ball bearing ($70.48), a needle bearing ($42.22) although it looked fine, a new front seal ($14.45) although it wasn't leaking, and a new gasket (about $7).

 

Also, I did a little checking in the "wanted" and "for sale" sections of this board.  It appears that there won't be much interest in the extra trans I have.  I guess it will become a nice boat anchor.