Removing transaxle

Hi guys - would appreciate any tips and advice on how to remove my swing axle gearbox, thanks in advance.My current g/box is noisy and I have a source in Lisbon for a rebuild with better ratios.

Pretty straight forward, actually, but if you can find someone with a motorcycle jack which has a pair of horizontal bars to hold the bike (or transmission) up, it makes getting it out and back in much easier.

Like this: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Tools+%26+Equipment&pid=00950190000&vertical=AUTO&subcat=Lift+Equipment&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

And don't forget to disconnect the shift coupler before trying to pull the gearbox out ;>)

Are you going to remove it with the axles/tubes attached and replace the wheel bearings and backing plates/seals/gaskets/etc. as well? Maybe double check the brakes as well.

Now would be a good time to make EVERYTHING new again, and it's easier to pull the axle assemblies off of the trans when it's out of the car.

Just a thought . . .

I just did that procedure a couple of weeks ago out of necessity because I had to replace my nosecone. It's all pretty straightforward; get the Bentley VW Service Manual and it will show you step by step. If you need to reinstall your axles and your brake assemblies you'll need two bearing seal kits that include two paper gaskets, two o rings, the bearing seal, a metal washer/spacer and a cotter pin. They are pretty inexpensive (close to two dollars per side). You'll also need a transaxle seal kit (around $7.00) because you'll need to remove the axle tubes and the axles. Make sure you disconnect the shift rod coupling in front of the rear seat as well as the ground strap (if your car has one; if it doesn't, put one in as it'll improve the car's grounding and overall performance, believe it or not) and clutch cable. It's straightforward but you have to be methodical and on top of things. Also this is a good time to install new axle boots. Good luck.

Thanks again for the advice, last weekend disconected all the bits and bobs from the engine, now have to build up the strength and courage to remove the engine(golf 1800)and then find a way to lift the body high enough so the engine can slide out, the I will be ready for the gearbox, so by the previous response I gather that I can remove the gearbox and leave the axles in place....

The axels will either have to be removed, with tubes,brakes etc. OR
the tranny comes out with axels, tubes, backing plates still attached.

Get a good ref. manual and read up before you start. It will save a lot of additional words being added to your sailor language dictionary.

Brake drums come off either way, for e-brake cables.

Good luck...

Leon C.

PS. With axels,tubes,etc., the tranny weighs about 160lbs.