Tranny noise?

wentz912 · Dec 10, 2009

Here's my situation, will try to provide as much information as possible...

Truck is an 81 SR5 with a 5 speed that the data plate declares is an L52, haven't verified that by looking at the actual tranny yet bt seems to be kosher information so far.

Anyhow, back to the noise..

Seems I have a grinding/whirring noise coming from the general transmission area when the clutch pedal is NOT pushed in. Also seems to make a touch of a grinding noise while ACCELLERATING in every gear except 4th. No noise while coasting/braking.

All bellhousing bolts seem to be fine, so I'm reasonably sure it's not a motor/transmission alignment issue.

There was a smidge of brass looking shavings last time i changed the trans fluid, soooo...

...that leaves me with guessing I've got a bad input bearing, but I figured I would post up here and see what you gys think too.

Also, if it IS the input bearing, what do you guys suggest to fix it? Is it worth tearing it down and replacing just the bearing? is there a way to just replace the bearing without tearing the whole thing apart? Or am I better off just finding a better used transmission for like 100-150??

zukkev · Dec 10, 2009

could be just a pilot bearing....it doesn't spin when in 4th gear---engine and trans are 1:1 in 4th....but you say it makes no noise when decelerating? Could be something deeper if this is the case...possibly countershaft bearing??

wentz912 · Dec 10, 2009

I should say it doesn't make the SAME noise while braking/decelerating. a lot more like normal old transmission noise when not on the gas.

oh, and just remembered, the noise got worse after it was flat towed without removing d-lines once for about 20-30 miles with stopping every 4 or 5 miles for a half hour or so

WHITE TRASH1 · Dec 10, 2009

the counter shaft isn't under load when in 4th and the input bearing for it is very easy to change once the trans is out...

The brass is just syncro dust, pretty much normal unless your oil looked like gold glitter... :lol:

Fordzuki · Dec 10, 2009

It sounds like the needle bearing between the input shaft and main shaft, if it's making the noise in every gear but 4th. BUT, if you've got brass shavings, you're going to need more than an input bearing, more than likely.

wentz912 · Dec 10, 2009

so, looks like the consensus is start looking for a better tranny and hope this one lasts long enough to find one.

Fordzuki · Dec 10, 2009

zukkev said:
could be just a pilot bearing....it doesn't spin when in 4th gear---engine and trans are 1:1 in 4th....but you say it makes no noise when decelerating? Could be something deeper if this is the case...possibly countershaft bearing??

:eeek: Doesn't the pilot only spin with the clutch disengaged?

Flat-Bed_3rd_Gen · Dec 10, 2009

its the pocket bearing in the trans case, betweenthe input shaft and main shaft. its doesn't do it in 4th because thats direct drive and it doesn't spin, you could try and replace it but then your looking at major tranny tear-down

travisyota83 · Dec 10, 2009

i have an L52 in my 83 right now that sounds like its full or gravel in every gear except 1st and 4th(only slight growl/grinding noise). and basicly its not worth the time, money or effort to rebuild the weak L series tranny because of their small bearings IMO. if i were you id look for a G series transmission or W-56 and be done with it. unless you absolutley want the shortness of the L series. the length difference between an L-52 and a G-52/54 is about four inches i dont remember if the W-56 is longer than a G series. just my .02

zukkev · Dec 10, 2009

Fordzuki said:
:eeek: Doesn't the pilot only spin with the clutch disengaged?

:redneck: I stand retarded!!!:booo:

wentz912 · Dec 10, 2009

Thanks guys. Gotta find the cash and a newer tranny. Going to try and find a L series so won't have to pay to get drivelines shortened since i don't have a welder.