What is a VW transaxle?

What is a VW transaxle?

Beetle transmissions – also known as a Type 1 Transaxle – are identified by the non-removable bellhousing. 3 and 5-rib transmissions are known as a 002 transaxle, and 6-rib transmissions are known as a 091 transaxle, or a 094 side-shift from a VW Vanagon. Bus transmissions use stronger 100mm Type 2 CV joints.

How much does it cost to put in a new transmission?

On average, replacing a vehicle transmission costs around $2,600, with average prices the replacement of a transmission ranging from about $1,800 to $3,400 in the US for 2020 according to TransmissionRepairCostGuide.

What year did VW switch to IRS?

IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) transmissions were used from 1969 and on in VW Beetles and late-style Buses. IRS can be identified by the exposed axle, and use two CV joints (Constant Velocity Joints), and have a CV Boot on each end of both axles – 2 per axle, 4 total CV boots.

What year beetle has IRS?

Anything after 1968 that is an an air-cooled suspension (411 models excluded) is IRS. Models up to 1958 were only swing axle and used 24 9/16” length torsion bars. 1958 to 1968 bugs were all swing axles and used 21 3/4” length torsion bars.

What do you need to know about the VW transaxle?

The VW transaxle is fascinating study for the compactness of its design. Of more general interest, is an explanation of how it works its magic as your change gears. Before I can explain how gear shifts are accomplished, let’s get familiar with basic components using the same identification numbers in Bentley’s cutaway diagram.

Where does the drive pinion go on a VW transaxle?

16. Drive pinion – (brown) welded to the pinion shaft and connects to the ring gear (not shown) of the differential which drives the wheels. Those are the basics of power transmission. How the gears mate to the shafts and to each other is the really cool part.

What kind of suspension does a transaxle have?

Volkswagen Transaxle. The VW transaxle is/was an incredible invention. It allows for independent suspension for all four wheels and works well with the the low output aircooled VW powerplants. The stock VW transaxles are able to take a lot of abuse and can be built to withstand high horsepower and heavy off road abuse.

Where is the shift plate on a VW transaxle?

Take a look at the shift bushing in the chassis “tunnel” and the shift rod coupling under the access panel (under the rear seat) — I’ll bet that one or both are worn. Also, make sure that the shift plate (the plate at the base of the shifter) is bolted down firmly… if it moves around it can cause strange shifting symptoms.