Sm318 Transmission Plugs and Transfer case plugs

[BarryGMC]

Still wondering what was squealing?

[FetchMeAPepsi]

yes, Im thinking it was the throwout bearing because of the shiny spots on the three fingers of the pressure plate? IDK if that's what its called. Here's a pic







If that was it then this clutch kit will fix the problem. Is there something I should check inside the transmission?

And is it supposed to leak fluid out of the tail piece a little or is that a bad seal?

[BarryGMC]

Dang a whole post written then splat. Dead like a bug. The clutch spins at say 2000 rpm and the bearing is at 0 when the two touch there is some slippage. This is normal and causes the polishing you see. The noise you described sounds more like a cluster gear problem. These little 3 speeds are not to robust and when they get a bit low on oil things can go haywire. Now you need to visualize the load in, float ,and deceleration load. Each makes a distinct sound. So do the problems. It's like a loose rod bearing in an engine makes most noise in the float. It rattles. Not so much under load in and out. Now this is why you always look at the oil when you drain it. A bright light is helpfull. Does it look really dark? Or is it metallic looking? And if so brassy or silver? These things tell you a lot. You need to investigate these things. Maybe look at a drawing of your trans to help visualize what is going on in there. And no this thing should not leak. If it was mine I would open her up and at least check it out.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

It was dark, VERY dark. There were some silver bits down around the bottom, but just a little dusting. Enough to cover your finger tip with a light coating. I've seen more in a modern oil drain plug so I wasn't concerned.

To open it up I just pop off the bolts on the front and the ones on the side? I'm worried about a bunch of springs and gears flying out at me

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I jumped the gun and opened both front portions. Nothing seemed weird to me








The pilot bearing was discolored from heat. Do you think that's the issue? There wasn't much (if any) grease in the pocket. It took 12 fingertip fulls to fill it up during my tries to remove it.

[BarryGMC]

Input shaft bearing looks bad

[BarryGMC]

the bearing should look like this

[BarryGMC]

the input shaft gear or clutch gear or whatever you want to call it. Its the gear in the front of the trans behind the input shaft bearing. looks to be to far forward. Its been a while since I have worked on a 318 so I will tell you what I recall. Biggest problem. Input shaft bearing fails from lack of lubrication and high loading. cluster gear thrust bearings fail from high torque load. v8 and 4x4 mostly. 2nd gear problems always seem prevalent. mainshaft needle bearings cook because of no lubrication. You know what the gears usually dont look to bad. So I already see 2 problems from your pics. This is why I dont work on these any more. its easier to put a 420 in its place. Barry

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I'll take some better pics today. I can't buy a new trans ($400-600?!?!) so I'm kinda stuck with what I have for now. Maybe I can pick up a cheap replacement trans and replace the input shaft? After I take new pics see if you still think it's bad. The rebuild kit includes front bearings if that makes a difference.

I tried to pull the flywheel too and couldn't figure out how to get to the bolts in it without removing the bellhousing (assuming the center threads I see from the back are the bolts that need removing). is there a trick to it?

[tommyduncan]

I can't help you with the tranny but the flywheel is held on by the center bolts right in the middle of where the clutch was. They are all facing the trans so shouldn't be a problem. Turning the engine with a big socket might give you better access to them as you go.