4571 Patterson Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: 616-301-2888
Fax: 616-301-0880
07 December 2005
1964 MGB Overdrive Repair
We knew that there was a problem with this overdrive unit -- type D -- since there was so much swarf in the filters, magnets, and drain plugs. Plus, the OD made an unusual swishing sound. I was not prepared for what I found! The planet gear carrier, fitted with three planet gears, was black and blue from the heat created before or after the needle bearings on all three planet gears failed. These gears (shown above) moved outward much farther than they should have and ate up the inside of the annulus. What a mess! But, I carefully disassembled the unit, cleaned everything, and laid it out. I'm waiting for the customer to provide a donor overdrive or I'll pull parts from stock for the rebuild.
