Topic: Need AX-5 Help

[joe-joe]

My Ax-5 transmission has developed a low bearing growl that appeared to only come in 3rd-5th gear (I reved up second gear and once I dropped it into 3rd I had the noise). However, it seems to go away when the jeep is in 4-wheel high. The other day, I popped the jeep into 4-high and then dropped it back into 2WD and the noise was gone until I hit a bump. Maybe 4WD didn't disengage until I hit the bump but even so, why no noise in 4-High?

The noise is only there when on the gas, once you let off the gas it is gone! I just fully rebuilt my T-case (new seals and bearings) because I thought that was the problem. I also rebuild both driveshafts and that wasn't the problem either.

Could it be the trans mount? Maybe it is allowing play at higher speeds and somthing isn't lining up right (pilot bearing). If you have any ideas please let me know.

I took it into a trans shop and the owner said somthing sounds like it's not lining up but he had no idea what it could be. Only way to find out was to pay $85/hour plus $3oo to remove and replace the trans.

Let me know what you think.

[Bounty Hunter]

What fluid you runnin in the tranny?

Sounds like if you need to get the tranny looked at, you have enough knowledge to remove the tranny and save a lot of $$ by hauling the tranny into the tranny shop.

[Jeffy]

Depending on what's wrong, AX-5's don't really do well rebuilt.  There are several cases where a rebuilt has failed prematurely.  I'd always go with a late model salvage over a rebuilt.  Not to mention AX-5's are really sought after so they're usually cheap.  Considering the cost of having someone do a diagnostic and then doing the actual work, it's probably close to what it would cost if you bought a salvage and did it yourself.  Although the key point here is doing it yourself.  Not everyone can.