Transmission Replacement - DIY or Shop?

[crios]

So it seems I might be in need of a transmission replacement. The tranny is making a lot of noise in second gear, like rock in a tin can. How hard is it to swap out a tranny? Is this a DIY project for someone with mediocre experience and not afraid to get dirty?

Car in idle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QM5vQxZO8w

Car in motion, you can hear at the 12 sec mark, but not very good. At the 30 sec mark you can hear very clear:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOSvBa-fEus

[JFP in PA]

It is not that difficult a project, even with the car sitting on jack stands. You are going to need some tools (a way to support the engine while you pull the gear box, a second supporting device or jack to carry the gear box, a good torque wrench, a 10MM triple square socket for one of the tran’s bolts, etc.). Not difficult, but sufficiently involved that you need a good reference manual to guide you through the process if you have not done it before………..

[Tranlm]

Do you know how to change out a clutch? If not, then I'd have someone else do it.

[crios]

No, never done a clutch, but I changed out my suspension...with patience, a Bentley manual, this website, it’s probably possible to do. I have to think about it. I'd guess I'd be looking at about 8hrs worth of work with the proper tools...for my skill level.

[Tranlm]

Just to give you an idea, I had an old car when I was younger (and poor) that I had to change the transmission on 4-5 times. Bought them from the pick and pull junkyard and kept getting bad ones. Then, when I finally got a good one, it lasted 3 weeks before going out again.

As expected, I got better and better with each switch. For the last one, it still took me approx 2.5 hours to take it off and 3 hours to put the new one on. I'm guessing that it'll take you at least a few days if not more, considering the space you have to work with, my perceived experience from you, and the delicacy that must go into this car. Good luck though. I'll be rooting for you.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by crios

No, never done a clutch, but I changed out my suspension...with patience, a Bentley manual, this website, it’s probably possible to do. I have to think about it. I'd guess I'd be looking at about 8hrs worth of work with the proper tools...for my skill level.

Crios; someone posted here a complete tranny (and engine removal) with pics and detailed information, if I can find it I'll post it here. Looks like a fun project (seriously) and you will save at least $800 - $1,000 IMHO

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Crios; someone posted here a complete tranny (and engine removal) with pics and detailed information, if I can find it I'll post it here. Looks like a fun project (seriously) and you will save at least $800 - $1,000 IMHO

Crios;

Here is the link for the engine/transmission removal:

http://www.nutrod.com/Nutrod/Home.html

This guy took the time to documents every step for engine removal (and partial disassembling) with great detail however, you won't be going that far...

With the money you'll save, perhaps you may want to consider a new clutch..?
.

[Gelbster]

Crios,
Suggest you contact :
Erik Johnson
The Race Line
(970) 344-7761
But first do all the research here and understand the price of the parts, the very special tools, the skills required to repair your gearbox.
R&R of the gearbox will save you lots of money and you can do all the other items while you are waiting for the repaired 'box to be returned.
Let us know how it works out for you?

[phred]

For others looking for the triple square wrench shown in message #27:

I couldn't find it locally through the auto parts stores or Ace Hardware. I also wasn't sure what it was called, so I did a fair amount of internet searching.

Finally I found a set of metric triple square wrenches and they happen to match the photo: Titan 12733 Wrench Set. I was able to buy it on Amazon for about $20.

FWIW, my transmission case was also missing the bolt in position G.

Hope this helps,
Phred

[Jinx]

Pelican parts has a tech article on this listed under boxster tech articles on the left side of their website.