Hey,

Just an odd question, but is there any harm in pulling and replacing the Reverse Gear Idler Bolt while the trans is fully assembled and installed in the car? I want to replace the rusted bolt and gasket that is showing signs of seeping, but want to ensure that the shaft wont rotate or something and I wont be able to reinstall the bolt. For reference this the the bolt which is facing the firewall, almost under the trans mounting bracket.

Thanks in advance.

Thats a tough question to answer. Here is what I can tell you about it. That shaft doesn't have anything holding it from rotating other than friction. I think I've only ever moved it when the trans is in bench position so the shaft is veritical. However I have assembled a trans and didn't get it lined up well enough for the bolt to go in and it didn't just rotate freely. Somewhat easily yes but you had to apply at least some force with a screwdriver or something. Take this information for what its worth. Would I do it? Yes. if it moved would i be pissed? Yes but I'd still do it. Your results may vary.

I ABSOLUTELY agree with the above statement by @pauleyman . He walked me thru the disasamebly and reassembly and is spot on with the reply.
Thanks Paul!
Even though THAT bolt has a pointed nose, if the idle support moves, it could be difficult to put back it in.
I would take some home wiring (solid) wire and go RIGHT BACK INTO THE HOLE, ASAP when you pull the old one and have the new bolt ready in the 3rd hand!

Thanks for the reply guys, basically there is a risk that it could move on me, then the swearing will begin.

Do you guys have any info on how much movement that idler has? Like are we talking that it could go a full 90 degrees out of alignment with the hole? If so, then the only option would be to pull the trans.

greddy_1700 said:

Do you guys have any info on how much movement that idler has? Like are we talking that it could go a full 90 degrees out of alignment with the hole? If so, then the only option would be to pull the trans.

Click to expand...

Sure, it *could* swing out of alignment if you're not careful, even up to 180* out if I recall correctly. It's not going to move on it's own, you would have to bump the idler through the bolt hole, shake the trans, or possibly even move the shifter into reverse. If it does pivot a bit you could use a pick or screwdriver to bring it back. If you're just pulling the bolt and immediately installing a new bolt I don't see a problem. You're over thinking this process, IMO.

When reassembling my trans I forgot this bolt and had to install it after the case was bolted together. The idler wasn't perfectly aligned but I don't recall it giving me trouble.

Appreciate the input, makes me feel a lot more at ease. Just really wanted to make sure the idler wasnt very loose in the case and would rotate from its own eccentric weight.

And I over think every process haha, but I also like to be over prepared for everything.

From all my experience with building these transmissions, the chances of it moving once the cases are torqued is VERY low, I wouldn't hesitate to pull it and change the sealing washer.