Archived Gertrag noise- problem in Colorado !!!

[19Kgvw]

Long time TDR member... . just don't post much unless needed.



Long story short - I'm half way on vacation with my '93 CTD with the 5 spd Gertrag. The trans has 143K and I've owned for 10 yrs. I've change trans oil regularly (every 15K) with 4. 5 quarts of 5-30 synthetic plus I have a additional filter off the PTO.

Problem- this morning I noticed a "growl" at 35 and higher. I stopped and checked the transfer case and added . 5 quart. That was Provo Utah and so kept driving - in Moab UT, I stopped because the growl was still there and there was heat on the shift lever that was abnormal.

The growl is dependent on speed... . ie the growl doesn't change as I shift or coast with the clutch in and the trans in neutral.

In Moab at a shop we put the rear on jacks and ran the driveline. The rear diff was quiet and not abnormally hot - I do run a Magtech cover and the fluid on the dip stick was normal.



There was more of a grinding noise from the trans than the transfer case when listened with a screwdriver on the cases.



I'm in Cortez CO right now (I'm from Seattle area) waiting for a shop to open in the morning that was recommended by two 4x4 shops in Moab. My understanding is that they have knowledge of Gertrags.



I'm thinking that it could be the output shaft bearing going out... . (is there a 5th gear nut problem with gertrags?? I thought that was NV4500). If the output bearing... . can that be replaced?



I really didn't want to drive much further without getting it looked at as I didn't want to get stuck alone side the road. I've put 350 miles on it with the noise - do you think I could do another 2000 back to Seattle or is gonna puke on me???



Is there any other potential problems to look for tomorrow?

and..... if a new trans is the answer, I would want to think about the NV5600 swap that was popular a few years ago- is that still an option to do??



thanks for any help - Rich (stuck in Cortez )

 

[MMeier]

If you're going to swap, do a 4500 instead, parts and service for a 5600 is non existent anymore.

 

[glhs]

You said you checked the oil in the transfer case; what about the Getrag? If you tow half the time or more, the bearings are probably shot with 143,000 on a Getrag.

I would add a quart of 75w90 gear oil to the transmission and see what happens. I know you don't want to risk it but, I would.



A rebuild here in Denver is $750-$1500. I have a rebuilt on the floor of my garage if you can't find one.



No fifth gear problems on the Getrag.



If I can help call 303-506-5135



Kurt

 

[glhs]

Throw out bearing?

 

[19Kgvw]

You said you checked the oil in the transfer case; what about the Getrag? If you tow half the time or more, the bearings are probably shot with 143,000 on a Getrag.

I would add a quart of 75w90 gear oil to the transmission and see what happens. I know you don't want to risk it but, I would.



A rebuild here in Denver is $750-$1500. I have a rebuilt on the floor of my garage if you can't find one.



No fifth gear problems on the Getrag.



If I can help call 303-506-5135



Kurt

kurt - I'll ask about the quart of 75-90... .



transmission oil was just changed before I left with 5-30 syn - and with the additional quart.



I will call if needed, we'll see what the shops diagonsos is this morning,

thanks for the reply.....

 

[19Kgvw]

Throw out bearing?

I don't think so, the noise is constant if the clutch is in or out.....

 

[19Kgvw]

update-

just got back from the shop. Diagnosis is a bearing in the transfer case -



Anybody have knowledge of the NP205 transfer case and it's history?



I'll give updates as they remove and did into it.....



Rich

 

[Gomez]

I would like to hear what the problem was. My getrag started making a noise similar to what you described, Making noise in all gears. I had to drive the truck for awhile, and found out that if I did not shift into 5th gear the noise will never start up! but once I shifted into 5th gear the noise was in all gears! So now I've been driving the truck for over a week now, but never shifting into 5th gear, and no problems. Good luck! And whats the name of the shop in Cortez? I'm just south across the N. M. border. I may have them take a look at my transmission. Is it a little Breezy up there?

 

[19Kgvw]

I would like to hear what the problem was. My getrag started making a noise similar to what you described, Making noise in all gears. I had to drive the truck for awhile, and found out that if I did not shift into 5th gear the noise will never start up! but once I shifted into 5th gear the noise was in all gears! So now I've been driving the truck for over a week now, but never shifting into 5th gear, and no problems. Good luck! And whats the name of the shop in Cortez? I'm just south across the N. M. border. I may have them take a look at my transmission. Is it a little Breezy up there?

Yes !!! very breezy (45-55 gusts) with a dust storm all day- it's supposed to get into the mid 20's tonight- breaking a record for 1965.

I'll get the full name of shop with phone # for you tomorrow. And I'll know exactly what is wrong tomorrow. Then get back on the road to Artesia, NM

 

[19Kgvw]

follow up

I'm back on the road minus 1492. XX $$. But I'm rolling. Got the truck back last Friday night. Two bearings in the Gertrag were shot. I'll post pics soon. The bearings were the inside and outside bearings on the output shaft.



The shop in Cortez, CO was Jimmy's Trans and Drive Line Specialist. Phone # is 970. 565. 3173. Owner is Jim Rodd- he did the work on the trans and seemed very knowledgeable of the history of the specific trans.



Thanks for everyones replies to the thread - Rich