Transmission diagnosis

[ktzdsl]

Me and my 1982 MK1 1.6L NA diesel caddy....
While on my way to Ear, Nose & Throat appointment, I thought I heard a very high pitched squeal, (sort of like a belt slipping on alternator). So, I went faster and sure enough, it got louder. When I slowed down, the squeal got quieter. Then I down shifted to 4th gear and the sound went away, even when I was at same speed and RPM as I was in 5th gear. Never had a 020 5 speed transmission before, but I have read a lot on the forum. My initial thought is "low on transmission oil". I was only about 5 miles from home, so drove back in 4th gear, dashed inside, called Doctor to cancel appointment and send this message. After this, I will change clothes and gather my tranny dipstick from the special tools section and some tranny fluid and cross my fingers. When the oil is low doe 5th gear squeal or whine? Hoping for the best and will update after check and test. Wish me luck. ken 

[CRSMP5]

if low.. time to pull the nose cone.. the needle bearings in 5th will melt and thats the ONLY way you would get a noise... to keep going.. it will ruin the tranny..

[R.O.R-2.0]

yea, its done for if its screaming.. fix it before it blows chunks..

[rallydiesel]

Why did you mention the ear nose and throat? Just curious as it has nothing to do with the transmission. Or does it? 

[ktzdsl]

ENT mentioned because I could just barely hear the squeal and was not sure if I actually heard a squeal. I was on way to have my hearing checked. lol and sighing at the same time.
Now the bad news; was 1 1/2 quarts low on oil. Performed a short test drive, heard nothing. But will continue diagnosis and check out later, cause I just have to find where the oil is leaking. I only have 10K miles on teh vehicle and have checked it at least twice since getting it on the road..

[CRSMP5]

thats low enough to melt it.. right now it a easy fix...

pull nose cone

pull 5th gear off.. replace the melted plastic and needles... best part is the plastic will pull off the metal parts.. it flakes away easy.. look for any scoring.. buff it up with some scotch brite and its fixed..

when it gets out of round, to keep driving it, it will eat the teeth off and well new tranny time..