Need Help! Transmssion Or Rear End Problem

[catesauc]

Guys after spending $7K for a rebuilt engine at 47K miles, recent rear main seal, etc. why do we own these cars! I'm driving yesterday and all of the sudden it sounded like I hit something in the road and that something fell off the car. I pulled in to a parking lot and no gears at all. We pushed the car into a parking space with it making clanking noise in the rear end with every step. After $323 tow bill, I have the car at a shop, but wanted to get some ideas on what you guys think it is and what it might cost. Does it sound like the tranny or rear end went out and I'm assuming this is going to be very expensive once again. Please help, I am so tired of spending money on this car. Oh forget. 3 days ago the Airbag Failure light is on now as well. Is it time to get rid of this lemon. Thanks for the help. Jeff

[mikefocke]

My guess is things weren't hooked up right after the recent R&Rs of the transmission for the engine rebuild and the RMS. But no way to know until it gets up in the air and you can look at things.

Where did you get your rebuilt engine for $7k?

[JFP in PA]

Most likely, it is one of the axel assemblies. For some reason, a lot of shops do not properly clean, Loctite, and torque the axel flange bolts; and they back out, killing the drive. Usually, fresh bolts, Loctite and re-torque is all that is needed, as long the flailing axel didn’t hit anything important…………

[catesauc]

My guess is things weren't hooked up right after the recent R&Rs of the transmission for the engine rebuild and the RMS. But no way to know until it gets up in the air and you can look at things.

Where did you get your rebuilt engine for $7k?

I can't remember the exact name of the dismantler we got the engine from out of California, but the engine had about 47k miles on it and I paid around $4800 then spent another $2200 to have it installed. The R&R was about 34k miles ago, sorry I didn't make that clear. Hoping it's an axle assembly that came lose as the other guy replied to my post, but I guess we'll see when they get it in the air. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with this car! LOL

[am993]

Most likely, it is one of the axel assemblies. For some reason, a lot of shops do not properly clean, Loctite, and torque the axel flange bolts; and they back out, killing the drive. Usually, fresh bolts, Loctite and re-torque is all that is needed, as long the flailing axel didn't hit anything important…………

+1 for a CV joint coming off the bell housing side. Look under your car at the back, center left and center right: if it is the case, one CV joint's gearbox end is most likely resting on the respective side's lower control arm. 15 minutes fix and you are on your way.

Edited June 7, 2010 by am993