- 1964-1967 SP400 Parts Images
- How to wire the Switch Pitch on a Buick Transmission
    - 400 auto codes
- BOP Bellhousings and Automatic Identification
Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: 3-speed transmission 1951 Special

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Zimmerman,
    Posts
    42
    Rep Power
    0

    3-speed transmission 1951 Special

    I had the input shaft bearing go bad on my '51 Special 3-speed. I got another transmission from a junk yard and the input shaft bearing was also bad. A friend who is a mechanic went through one of these transmissions, replacing the input shaft bearing and also going over everything else. He said he could not figure out, in the design, how gear oil is supposed to get to that bearing, so he replaced the bearing with a sealed bearing, which should work well for the amount I'm going to be driving the car. My mechanic friend also builds street rods, and is into old cars, but this was the first Buick 3-speed he's worked on.

    My question is: How does the original, non-sealed, input shaft bearing get lubricated? ....and....is this a poor design and that's why the two transmissions I have here failed?

    Dave

  2. #2

    3 speed

    I have had several Buick 3 speeds. Never a failure. Have one p[1950] now.

    Ben

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    149
    Rep Power
    0
    Check the (rear) main bearing clearance. If severely worn no transmission will last.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Zimmerman,
    Posts
    42
    Rep Power
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by 322bnh View Post
    Check the (rear) main bearing clearance. If severely worn no transmission will last.

    Thanks for the tip - I plan on checking all bearing clearances before dropping in the replacement motor I got. I also have all new clutch parts, including the pilot bearing, and will check the flywheel to see if it needs to be turned. I have two flywheels so I'll use whichever is better.
    Dave

Similar Threads

  1. 1963 special v6 / 3-speed manual mixing gas in oil
    By boombapnineties in forum V-6, early and late...
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-23-2017, 02:50 PM
  2. 1950 3 speed transmission leak
    By Dbec1972 in forum Transmissions and Drivelines...
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-11-2016, 10:58 AM
  3. How many 4 speed transmission.
    By Fam.Friis in forum Buick Identification and Decoding
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 10-27-2009, 12:47 PM
  4. 1955 Buick Special 3 Speed Transmission
    By Robert Bates in forum Transmissions and Drivelines...
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 12-12-2005, 09:22 AM
  5. Buick 215 4 to 5 speed transmission swap options...
    By Skreeeboy in forum Transmissions and Drivelines...
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-17-2003, 06:20 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
TeamBuick.com Privacy Policy