Tranny grinding noise

[handala]

Hey All...

glad to see alot of activity on the site...

How about all that fine weather? could not wait to take the top off and drive around in my now running cruzer (after installing a new non-usa distributor from TPI per Jeff's advice, runs like a champ now).

However, I am worried about a loud grinding noise that seems to come out of the mid/rear transmission....it is loudest when I lay off the gas or downshift and completely goes away when I disengage the clutch or accelerate...it sounds like metal grinding on metal.

Any thoughts??

THanks.

 

[Bodean]

Have you checked the fluid level? They are tough but they don't like to run dry! Ha.

Later,

 

[handala]

fluid level is fine, I changed the oil before I drove her...the old oil didn't look bad or have any metal on the magnet so don't think the gear is worn or anything.

 

[dd113]

worn idler shaft and roller bearings. Time for a rebuild, can also be rear diff. Might be both.

 

[handala]

worn idler shaft and roller bearings. Time for a rebuild, can also be rear diff. Might be both.

someone on CCOT mentioned the same possible problem, I guess that's my next project...does it do the transfer case any harm to drive like this for a while (while I fix more pressing issues like the breaks!) or should I rebuild ASAP?

is there a way to diagnose the source?

Thanks