Back-yard tranny/transfercase bench testing.

[Creager]

While i got my tranny out, Is there a safe way to go about bench testing my tranny and t-case?

All i want to do is spin the input shaft so i can pint point where a whine is comming from. I can spin it by hand, but i can't spin it fast enough to REALLY hear where its comming from, i guess im goin' deaf.

I though about spinning the input shaft with an air wrench, but... ahhh... maybe i shouldn't? haha, thoughts?

 

[BrooklynBay]

One idea is to set up an industrial electric motor like the ones on the commercial sewing machines. They have a variable speed control by varying the amount of mechanical resistance on it internally (half moon shaped brake). The control arm applies pressure by a spring loaded pedal. Another idea is to use any large A/C electric motor. You could use a pulley set up, or a direct drive set up. I wouldn't recommend any gas powered motor, since they are too noisy, and can't be used indoors without proper ventilation.

 

[EMG7895]

I wouldnt worry about hurting it. Do you have a drill big enough to turn it?

 

[Creager]

No, but i can probably rig something up =) hehe cool, i just wanted to make sure i couldnt damage it. Thanks.

 

[Glacier991]

You could bugger up the input splines easily enough. Buy an extra input shaft, get one as long as you can possibly get get..I think there was an 11 incher.. devote it to this purpose. Otherwise you could screw up the TC stator splines when you try to mate to the output shaft you just boogered up. Be careful (and let us know how it works, I have been thinking of rigging up some kind of 4R/5R bench tester as you describe using an electric motor.) Most of my ideas revolve around a welded shaft setup to a spider/rubber donut flex coupling on an electric motor... 1HP or so.

 

[BrooklynBay]

What about using a pvc pipe with either no hub couplings, or Fernco couplings to connect the splined shaft to an electric motor? How would you determine if the transmission is shifting into the proper gears from a small motor turning at a low RPM? It's not like you are driving, and feel a gear change. You would also have to fill it up with fluid, and loop both in, and out lines.

 

[Glacier991]

I've added my cautions. You figure something out and show us and I'm cool with it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Wouldn't the bench tester also need a computer controlled solenoid driver? Different models will have different numbers of solenoids. Some will just be simple on, and off types, while other will require PWM to regulate them. Maybe one of those electronic transmission testers will come in handy for this.

 

[Glacier991]

You could work around on a A4...5R and 4R70W the tester would be essential

 

[BrooklynBay]

I've been looking for a connector to plug into the A4LD's solenoid connector like the one on the vehicle, but didn't have too much luck. A couple of transmission parts distributors said that they might have one in stock, but wanted around $50 or more for it. I don't know why a small plug that is similar to a headlight socket should cost so much. A relay socket, or headlight socket in an auto parts store is usually around $5.

 

[Creager]

I thought about using the female splines ffrom the old old clutch (somehow) to prevent any damage to the input shaft.