1952 Standard Trans Input Bearing

Mikei16

Mikei16

Member
I have a 1952 Buick Special series 40. The car has been sitting in a garage for almost 30 years before I got it. I have done a ton of work on it, now I am going to get into the transmission, as when I start it there is what sounds like a bearing noise, step on the clutch and the noise go's away. I have a manual, just looking for and hints or cautions. This is a picture of it when I first saw it.
Thanks for any info
Mike 20221008_095954_resized.jpg
 
I am thinking that if the throw out bearing was bad it would make noise when the clutch pedal is engaged, this is the opposite, clutch pedal up very noises and when its down there is no noise?
 
The other way around is totally possible. It's a thrust bearing, and with no pressure on it, it is free to "rattle" if worn. With pressure on, a little slack can be taken up, quieting the rattle. The way they are constructed suggests this scenario. Its only lube is what it got when assembled, "quite a while back". The trans bearings get slosh and splash lubed while you drive. The throwout bearing is my prime suspect. Have fun with that. The Buick looks good. The sweep spear on the side reminds me of a two tone one I saw pictured, with a nice contrasting color below that trim.
 
I believe you can access the throw out bearing and fork by removing the dust cover on the cast in bell housing. You may be able to tell where the noise is coming from by observing its operation from under the car with the cover off. To change it or the input shaft bearing on the transmission you will have to drop the torque tube. That can be a real pill. Be careful not to damage the rubber boot. Although the trans is cast iron, it’s not very big nor is it particularly heavy.
 
A stethoscope could be helpful in locating the source of the noise, too. They're not too expensive, at parts stores or maybe Harbor Freight. You can listen at the front of the trans when the noise is on, then off, to get a sense of whether it's a trans bearing.
 
Before you take anything apart, might want to find transmission new and used parts supplier for vintage vehicles. There is among many Fatsco, Northwest on east coast and Transmatic in the west coast. Otherwise, that transmission will sit torn apart waiting on parts. Take lots of pictures at teardown at every step, you might see things you can't identify and have to show someone. Aside from knowing where all the bolts go, get ziploc bags and sharpie label them and get boxes for parts. That transmission fluid gets everywhere, so good time to cut up old cloth into rags. You need to drain that fluid, which you could send out to get analyzed and you could diagnose this way, last I recall was about$20, probably $40 now with Bidenomics. Steer away from low quality reproduced parts out of nylon, you can get a machinist to make you some metal parts if they are not available. Amkproducts has new vintage nuts and bolts.
 
Mikie, I doubt the noise you hear is the input bearing. May be, but does not sound like a bearing noise.

For parts,
Dennis Marordas
606 237 6648

For disassembly and assembly instructions, your Buick Shop Manual has great, simple instructions. At least the one for 1950 does.

Good luck

Ben
 
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