NASTY Porsche 356 Transaxle Cleanup/Teardown/Inspection & BAD News!!

[@jimmclaughlin5134]

This segment has save me a lot of money. A lot of money. Thanks for you sharing all this with us. If you are ever in VT, I owe you more than a couple.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Awesome, both of my kids are now in Boston for college so will be out visiting new england a lot.

[@Tim-Bristol-UK]

Finally a video showing the shafts of a 356 coming out, I've been struggling to find any step by step guide that isn't VW and this has really helped. Thanks for sharing. I owe you one.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Awesome, glad you found it. Best of luck on your trans

[@GregsGarage]

get the jig and do it yourself. Nothing better than getting something SWEET by taking your time and making it perfect. No one else will be able to spend that kind of time.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Good point. I have a huge advantage in that I don't need to make money and ship it out the door. I always go the extra mile and make sure I'm confident before I put it back in the car. A good example is my front suspension build. No one would take the amount of time to measure, inspect, correct, and fabricate custom bushings to make it perfect.

[@yjmsrv]

One thing our shop does (most do really) is place a large aluminum "cookie tray" underneath whatever we're cleaning or working on to catch the grease, oil, dirt and other debris that falls on the ground when doing a tear down and cleaning. It really helps with keeping the floors cleaner- and also has the advantage of catching nuts and bolts that drop down too- instead of the crazy bounces they take otherwise!

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thanks, this is a good tip!

[@jockellis]

If you get it magnafluxed, make sure it is done on DC so that the inspection will penetrate the metal a bit instead of just the surface with AC.

[@toddatstone_city_outlaw8714]

You're a braver man than me. I was waiting for bearings and springs to just explode from the case like a can of spring snakes. As always look forward to the next video.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Ha ha, I wish I could be a snake charmer.

[@1ocean515]

You got the transaxle that clean by hand? Dang Tom, you are one fastidious guy! If you’re willing to take the journey into the can, I’m willing to count how many worms you encounter. Go for it!! 👍👍

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Carpal tunnel king!

[@Vintageguy73]

I had a noisy 915 so I found the pinion gear was "floating f-r" and the pinion was pitted. Ring and pinion needed to be replaced and I didn't feel like I wanted to tackle the learning curve of backlash/pinion depth/preload so I sent it out. Now I still have a noisy transaxle after spending an obscene amount of money. Should have done it myself!

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Ugh, I feel your pain. I'll try it myself. That way if it doesn't run right I can do it again.

[@rsrguy]

Wish someone would do this kind of vid on my trnxl

[@Abrothers100]

It would be awesome to see you do all the transmission work!

[@wycoffwycoff1282]

Rebuild in the garage! Will make for great video.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Wish it could be done in just one video😂

[@jamesenloe2791]

Transmissions have always been a magical box that my brain can’t comprehend. I plan to do a rebuild on my Land Cruiser trans and transfer case to gain the knowledge and skill set. Everyone keeps saying it’s not that hard, but we’ll see. I’m looking forward to seeing this project through. You mentioned in a previous video that the 356 doesn’t get that many views. The funny thing is, I started watching your channel because of the 356. Sort of research before I get myself in over my head with a very expensive car.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Cool. Thanks for being here. Hopefully the 356 Transaxle doesn't turn into a disaster, but I'm willing to put the effort in to figuring it out. So far, the only thing I've outsourced is the paint. Mostly because the neighborhood I live in, but just last week a guy painted his whole Toyota SUV in his garage with the door open!

[@jamesenloe2791]

@@GarageTimeAutoResto we Toyota people are a different type of special

[@mrjohnirons]

To clean my 923 trans case I bought a HF steam cleaner and went to town with it along with various plastic scrapers, soft brushes and lots of paper towels. Excellent results!

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Good idea! Never tried a steam cleaner. I've seen good results with dry ice blasting too. I'm just glad most of the cleaning is behind me now. Cleaning takes the longest, whether its engine, restoration, or transaxle work.

[@cramiro71]

Dive into it. That’s my opinion, specially if you can borrow the specific tools. There is a lot of info on the web and you’ve got the skills.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

True, there is no better time than now to restore a car. There is so much great information out there. Ok, some if it isn't that great, but its usually obvious who should be ignored.

[@carlosherrera7822]

I really enjoyed watching this video. You have demonstrated again and again that to do something right then you have to DIY. Besides the satisfaction of learning something new.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thank you. As shown in this video, the previous builder didn't do it right. No gasket on nose cone, red and clear RTV, stacked gaskets on axle tubes, split axle boots (lazy!), Wrong 13mm ATF nuts, and probably more wrong inside. The selector shaft has some file marks on it. No wonder why it leaks.

[@Zincaloom]

If you are in a hurry, you might try Jacques at Scott’s Porsche Parts in National City. On the other hand it would be great to see how it is done and you already have the dirty part finished. 😁

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

I know Jacques, but it's been a while since I've seen him. Might need his help!

[@wesleybender6145]

Trans are more specialised than rebuilding 356 engines. I'm comfortable with the latter, but I would talk to Jacques or Jon Bun in if I were you.

[@jeffharrison5265]

I say dive in and go for it. You have a knack for this type of thing and it would be fun to watch the videos.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thanks Jeff, seems unanimous. Looks like I'll be dreaming about gears and bearings for the next few weeks at least.

[@jeffharrison5265]

@@GarageTimeAutoResto Look on the bright side...it's not an automatic.🙂

[@billkeller3083]

By all means ,do it yourself and let’s learn as we go😀 Good job bro, I’ll be doing the same with my 64 trans as well, so watching this is great 👍

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thanks Bill, That's what I'm here for is to help each other. I learn a lot from sharing and reading comments here in this community. And if I do something stupid, I'm sure someone will correct me. Which it totally expected!

[@markallen8679]

do it yourself, lots of learning and we get to see/learn with you. just wish it was a 923 since that rebuild is in my future. Love the content you provide.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thanks Mark. I think the 923 is similar to the 915 which I will be tackling in the not so distant future.

[@petem6291]

Tom , I would make that 3 point engine stand a four point engine stand , with locking casters , if it falls over ( always when you least expect it .Ask me how I know ) and breaks the case you got problems... If you could get a factory service Manuel I would say rebuild it your self . You have the skill you just need good information ... Pete

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

If I only knew a good welder? Just kidding, its on my list to do. I have the factory manuals, spare parts catalog, and elfrink manuals. They all approach it a bit differently. I totally agree that with the right tools, information, and patience it's possible. Please stay tuned!

[@richardw3377]

I have the three leg stand and add weight to the base to stabilize it. Works fine.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Nice. Like a concrete bag?

[@richardw3377]

@@GarageTimeAutoResto I have a couple of lead “pigs,” one for each side leg, but I’ve also used a boat anchor and chain when that’s handy. A bag of concrete mix on each side would work, but may make it difficult to roll around.

[@jockellis]

Good work. Working in a shop that rebuilds industrial gearboxes I see the amount of work required to make a product that will work for years. Don’t know if I want to try that. If I do I’ll emulate our mechanics and take lots of pictures. That 30 liter ultrasonic tank I said you talked me into didn’t take gunk off like I had hoped but it softened up the stuff and I have been able to squirt Gunk on it and use a paper shop towel to wipe it out. But it did vibrate off the patina and make it shiny again. Earlier, I put the belt tightened from my 944 in it and when it came out it had taken the corrosion out and left a yellowish shine that made me think it might have been plated with yellow cadmium.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Gearboxes are a lot of work for sure. The ultrasonic cleaner does make things go faster, but brushing and scraping is often necessary. Same with electrolysis. It just speeds things up.

[@evk7428]

Love your work as always. I think you can hire dry ice blasting machines for non-abraisive cleaning. However, you might need a whole bunch of items to clean to make it cost effective.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Dry ice blasting is awesome, but not cheap as you say

[@pril250]

Would love to see you do it, a lot to learn satisfaction is the reward.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thanks guys, lots of confident commenters!

[@jamesjakubik4428]

To clean parts I use paint thinner and brake cleaner. Get a plastic cement mixing tub. (2' X 3'). Paint thinner is good, because you can use it over and over. It will take less than a third of the time to clean parts.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Awesome thanks. Do you filter the filth when you recycle the cleaner?

[@jamesjakubik4428]

@@GarageTimeAutoResto I use my wife's cooking strainer if she does'nt catch me. 😅

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

I like the way you roll! Flammable liquids and dangerous home life!

[@openhighwayproductions]

Professor, I think you may have the where-with-all to handle this. Considering the age it does not look terrible. Plus we get to see it first hand.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thanks! I'll give it the ol college try!

[@joelparsons608]

Start ripping it apart, if you get into a bind then take it to a specialist and hand them a bucket of bolts. 😁

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

I'm good at taking things apart, ha ha

[@johnvaluk1401]

Try it! You can always revert to sending it out

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

True

[@jamesjakubik4428]

I forgot . Use disposable paint brushes also.

[@roundtailrestoration]

According to Hagerty, that car is worth north of $75K in "fair" condition. You know I'm all about doing stuff myself, Tom, but you are entering the stratosphere of car valuations. My TR4 is $50K in concours condition; your 356? 225K. I don't know, I might send it out. But, then again, I think the matching numbers are what helps with the value. If you mess up and have to replace the guts...the case is still going to be stamped with the original number, right? I say do it yourself. That's why we're here...to see you grab your "you know what" when we might not and come out on the other side. You've done it before. You're dealing with old technology and you're not the first. Take a chance, have fun, and bring us along for the ride. I'll be here, that's for sure!

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

If i put it back together and it sounds bad, then I'll take it back out and either try again or ask a pro to help. I'm pretty sure that I can make it run as good as it did before. As they ignorance is bliss. Before this week, I thought everything was ok because it sounded and shifted fine. But because the value of these cars are so high, the prudent thing to do is to take it apart and inspect. The main thing that can wipe out the numbers matching case is a broke differential carrier. Thank goodness I don't have that problem so far.

[@stephenlmckeown1439]

You do it then you will have peace of mind 👍

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Funny you say this. I feel my mind is cursed with all the things that could go wrong. That is the danger of knowledge, ha ha

[@andrewavant8471]

No doubt you can do it.... I'm sure you're not naive about the cost of education. Good luck!

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Thank you! This won't be a rapid outcome for sure. Finally get to put those mechanical engineering degrees to work, h aha.

[@jsebben1]

Send it off to Dr Evil

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Austin Powers?

[@Royalerp31m]

If it was the 911, I’d say DIY. With the 356, the risk on the matching numbers say, at least find a donor to learn on.

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

I hear ya, many of the really good builders have a 1 year wait, or more. The others are probably not as careful as I will be. For example, why did the previous rebuilder leave out gaskets and think RTV would work? I think many shops just ship it and hope it doesn't come back.

[@scottmesenbrink93]

This is a tough one because I agree on the risk of screwing up on an original gearbox that is numbers matching. I think you have the skills to tackle it but if a highly respected shop can get to it in a reasonable timeframe, I would go there. There is still plenty to do on the rest of the car. If you can’t get a respected shop then I say go easy!

[@polloloci21]

🤔…… I’m inclined to get professional help. Maybe there’s another KZbin “Porsche” guy who could show you how. Cross-functional training video. Maybe Rod Emory is watching 😬. Either way- I’ll be watching. Thanks man

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

Rod Emory would be a good choice! I presume they build transaxles in house, but not sure. They would laugh at my stocker!

[@polloloci21]

@@GarageTimeAutoRestohaha. I don’t think they would- they might offer you a job 😜