4-Speed ZF 1253 Trans Issue

pavichm

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Hi. I have a howling noise coming from my ZF 4 Speed in my 1970 2800. The transmission shifts fine but when in Neutral and the clutch not depressed, the transmission make this howling / whirring noise. Press the clutch in, the transmission stops spinning and the noise goes away. Let the clutch out, and the noise comes back.

The car had sat for a very long time (17 years) and I'm just about finished with the mechanical restoration. I would like to focus my attention to this transmission issue (transmission is out of the car at the time) before I reassemble everything.

I would like to keep the old girl stock and not have to upgrade to a 5 speed, but if parts (a bad bushing I'm assuming) for the Type 1253 are not readily available, I will consider a swap.

Please let me know if you guys can share your thoughts on the source of the noise and remedy. Also whether I should think about a 5 speed upgrade at this point.

Thanks,

Mark
 

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sfdon

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Layshaft bearing noise is when car drives in gear or in neutral and clutch is not depressed. Its definitely input shaft bearing when the noise is there when the foot is off the clutch. Think about it, the input shaft is turning then, and when you put depress the clutch, it isnt, thus no noise!Jan 16, 2006

Gearbox whine - layshaft bearings [Archive] - SXOC

 
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pavichm

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Thanks for the replies. My tech and I disassembled the trans. It was a bad layshaft bearing. Now I'm having a heck of a time finding a gasket kit for this 4 speed unit. ZF S4-18/3 Type 1253
I will call Metric Mechanic tomorrow but if someone knows of a source, please let me know.
Thanks,
Mark
 

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HB Chris

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I don’t think gaskets are available, I made a paper one for the input shaft. Same with Getrag, they just use sealant between the cases.
 

pavichm

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Gaskets are no longer available so I made my own. New layshaft bearing was in town.
 

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