re: 5KS auto trans questions

[Dave Conner <conner@cfm.ohio-state.edu>]

MLHiggins wrote:
>
>       The transmission in my son's '88 5KS (~140K miles) is getting
flaky.  Our
>understanding is that the trannies in these cars go out because the seal
>between the final drive and the transmission fails and allow the fluids to
>cross-pollinate.  Is that correct?
>        I also recall that someone on the list made some observations
about a valve
>that may not be operating correctly.
>
>        The symptoms in his 5K are slow shifting into reverse and slow to
shift from
>second to third.  I assume these are the "classic" symptoms.
>        IF nothing comes across the list about the valve, what's the best
route to
>take?  Is there a seal for the final drive that works?  How hard are these
>trannies to rebuild?  What has to be replaced to get it going correctly?
  
Mike and Alex,
Here is a post I saved on this subject.  It gives details re: leaks from
the flat round plate on the right side of the autobox...describing what is
causing the leak.  Also that this can affect shifting between 2 & 3rd
gears.  My 89 100 has been leaking for nearly two years from this location.
 I was quoted $400 to drop the tranny and replace these seals.  They
recommended doing additional work while in there including servicing the
clutch packs.  The leak was slow but gradually getting worse.  About 6
months ago I started adding K&W Stopleak instead of trans fluid.  So far
I've put in less than a pint (200cc) and the leak has substantially slowed.
 This makes me optimistic but I'm not declaring victory yet.  I'm not
normally a great fan of these products but felt I had nothing to lose in
this case.  

Alternatives to rebuilding...
1.  Chris Semple told me that a used autobox can be bought and installed
for $400.   Hmmmm.  Sounds like I really >don't< have anything to lose re:
trying the stopleak.     
2.  Swap for a 5 speed manual.  I met a guy recently who did this with an
85 5ks and 120,000 miles later it's still going strong.  Sounds ambitious,
but why not?  He had to swap the half shafts and pedal cluster too, among
other things.  Maybe the flywheel?  Also he said the floor pan didn't have
quite enough room for the pedal cluster but he made room with a BigHammer.

HTH,
Dave Conner  
Columbus, OH


Date: Sun, 25 Jan 1998 12:25:12 -0600 (CST)
From: John Rowe <aa979@sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca>
Subject: Audi Transmission Leak

	I haven't figured out how to respond to the list so here is a
private response.  The 3" flat thing houses a servo that activates the 2nd
gear band.  There are two cup seals on the piston inside this cover.  The
cover itself has two O-rings that seal it to the case.  With time, these
O-rings and seals go hard causing the leak you've observed and possibly
affecting shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear.  I know this because I've pulled
two of these transmissions out so far and disassembled them.  (Not out of
love mind you, but out of necessity!)  If all that's wrong is that you
have a leak and if the leak is just a small one, I would suggest trying
one of the transmission leak stop additives that are available from
automobile stores.  These additives have chemicals that are supposed to
soften and swell O-rings and seals and they might just do the job and save
you the $400.  Good luck!