[T3] VW 003 Transmission

[Jim Adney]

The first thing to remember about our AT trannys is that they have 
all been extremely reliable. The second thing would be to ask if you 
checked the ATF level, and did you know that it must be checked in N 
with the engine running. If the ATF was low, that could explain the 
harsh shifting.

Note that on your '71 there will be just one vacuum hose from the IAD 
to the vac modulator on the AT. If there's a significant amount of 
red ATF in that hose, your vacuum modulator is bad. Replacement VMs 
have to be adjusted after installation; instructions are in the 
Bentley manual.

That said, rebuilding an 003 AT is just about the only Type 3 job 
I've never done. The Bentley instructions appear to be pretty 
complete, but also complicated. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try 
it, but you have to be really attentive to detail. If you decide to 
go this direction (and that might be better than one of the 
commercial rebuilders) I have rebuild gasket sets, ATF pan gaskets, 
vacuum modulators, and replacement ATF filter screens.

Jim

On 18 Sep 2018 at 13:11, Stet Sanborn wrote:

> Hey All - I've currently got my '71 FI engine out of my squareback, and I'm
> rebuilding it, which is only my 2nd type 3 engine rebuild... the first one
> was back in 1998 (with lots of help from this list).  While I've got my
> engine out, I was thinking I should replace or rebuild my VW003 automatic.
> Over the last 8 years or so, its starting developing a pretty hard shift;
> i.e. not smooth, it hits the next gear with more of a pretty hard thud.
> It's mostly from 1st to 2nd.  But also less so from 2nd to 3rd.  I watched
> a video on youtube of a guy rebuilding one, and it seems like I "might" be
> able to manage without f*ing it up.  But also tempted to buy a rebuilt one
> for now, so I can rebuild mine this winter as a spare.  I know that sounds
> crazy, but I'm getting more nervous about finding replacement parts in the
> next 20 years, and don't mind stock piling type 3 parts selectively.  Any
> thoughts on most likely cause of the hard shifting and whether any one has
> any experience with:
> 
> http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/transmissions_automatics/volkswagen_automatic_transmissions.html
> for rebuilt transmissions?  I know doing it yourself is better, cause you
> know the quality etc, but wondering if anyone has any good expieriences
> with any of the retailers who offer rebuilt units.
> 
> Thanks
> Stet
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-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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