Dr. J - Code Blue '87 A/T problem...

[diverjeff]

Hey,

Doctor J,

Got the '87 Camry (Scooter) on stands this past weeknd and here are results.

First, with A/T in PARK, I can rotate the wheels. The opposing wheel turns the opposite direction. In every gear except neutral, when I "torque" the wheels forward and back, the axel acts like it comes unsplined, makes a clicking noise while rotating (the opposing wheel does NOT rotate). Eventually, it "seats back in", the clicking stops and the opposing
wheel begins rotating the other direction.

Car starts fine with no odd noises. Shifter is a little difficult to get into Low 1 gear. The only gear I don't get the ka-THUNK is reverse.

Hope this helps you diagnose. If the tranny is shot, any ideas on where to get a good rebuilt or can mine possibly be rebuilt? I sure love this little car. This is our "farm" car so it gets a lot of use. Is there possibly a heavy duty transmission I might consider?

Thanks for any ideas or advice. I appreciate it.

Respectfully,

DJ

[fredk]

the diff is gone

[Doctor J]

It may sound stupid but it may sound that there could be something wrong with parking lock inside transmission (because of difficulty of moving lever to the low position).Also make sure that both axle flanges are fully seated inside the tranny.I would suggest to drop the pan and look for metal fragments inside.
I have talked to the 87 Tercel owner who had differential failure due to the lack of fluid, and his car was making snapping noises on turns prior to failure.