Re: Marbles in the transmission

[jayk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Kevin Jay x3-5357)]

>From: Jerry Chyo <jerryc@domain.elided>
>Subject: Re: Marbles in the transmission
>
>At 03:16 PM 9/1/99 -0400, Jason wrote:
>>About 2 months ago there was a thread about the sound of marbles in
>>the transmission when the clutch pedal was released,  but went away
>>when the clutch was pressed.  I don't remember what the outcome of
>>that was.  Could someone remind me?  And yes,  I have marbles in
>>my transmission ($$$$$$).
>
>I have a Getrag 280 ('88 M5) and from what I understand, most of the
>trannies from my era have this sound (I do).  It's simply a matter of low
>tolerances and doesn't hurt the tranny.  Lot's of E28's, E24's and E30's
>have this.  Don't worry is the advice I got and that was 4 years ago.  No
>problems, just noise.

it's just gear noise.  this is normal.  your gearbox likely is filled 
with ATF;  if the noise is *really* driving you crazy you can get rid of 
it by using thicker gear lube (but this'll compromise cold-weather shifting, 
i wouldn't recommend it).  redline might help a bit too.

>BTW, I remember from many moon's ago that it wasn't a good idea to sit at a
>light with the clutch depressed (in case you're thinking of doing this to
>eliminate the noise).  Wears out the T/O bearing.  Don't know if this is
>true, but it sounded logical so I don't.  I live with the noise.  Redline
>helped.

keeping your clutch depressed while idling also wears the thrust surfaces
of your crank.  not the best thing.  shift into neutral & listen to the
gears churn when waiting at stop signs.

= Kevin Jay
  '96 328is, red/camel, 16K

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