I4 Manual Transmission problems?

[gnegroni]

My car is approaching the 60k point and the transmission is concerning me.

For a while now, the car kinda grinds a bit when going from 4th to 5th at highway speeds (70-80 mph). This doesn't happen all the time, but it is particularly noticeable when I downshift to pass a group of cars and then slide back to 5th. If I accelerate past 80-90, it will definitely grind a bit.

Oh, the grinding is not as loud as if you miss a gear, but mostly felt through the shift lever.

I took the car to the dealer and left it there. If I had the time I would have tested it with them, but couldn't stay. They told me everything looked OK.

Am I approaching clutch change or am I simply shifting too fast?

[Midias]

I would check your clutch fluid maybe bleed the system and do a fluid change. Does the I4 use gear oil or motor oil in the trans? If motor oil try adding ONE bottle of lucas trans fix it kept my syncros working like new on my accord even after it started grinding in second.


60k is low for a clutch to go out or even syncros to go out.

[NightRider]

Probably the syncros. Usually when the syncros go bad due to improper shifting and mis-shifting or shifting while the clutch is pressed half-way down.

My celica used to grind from 3rd to 4th at 3400 rpm and when the tech test drove it he right away determined it was bad syncros.

[gnegroni]

Midias, Knight: Thanks for the replies fellas!

Midias, I believe my transmission uses gear oil, not fluid... I wish I could use Lucas Oil additives; they worked awesome for my old Ford Taurus back in the days!

I'll take it to the dealer next week for a(nother) trial run. Last time they didn't notice anything, but I WILL show them. However, why fifth...I never missed a fifth gear shift.

Oh, that reminds me...I did notice about 6 months after purchase that sometimes I couldn't find 5th gear (problem went away)... maybe problem are related.

In addition, I haven't used the car much these days since I'm unemployed ATM (change from 120 daily miles). Noted that shifting is real easy.... weird!

[JoBu]

Have you thought about adding synthetic gear lube to your tranny while it is in the shop? I did this with a manual transmission in a Ford Ranger (as well as the differential) and it not only shifted better, but mpg went up just a bit (almost 1 mpg). I'm a bit anal about checking my mpg. Force of habit from owning motorcycles.

Cheers,

Joe

[gnegroni]

Have you thought about adding synthetic gear lube to your tranny while it is in the shop? I did this with a manual transmission in a Ford Ranger (as well as the differential) and it not only shifted better, but mpg went up just a bit (almost 1 mpg). I'm a bit anal about checking my mpg. Force of habit from owning motorcycles.

Cheers,

Joe

I've heard RedLine and RoyalPurple make good synthetic gear lubes. I guess I'd do it too and even though it might get expensive ~$50-80, I think its worth it. What did you have in mind?

[JoBu]

I think if you plan on keeping your car a long time, it is definitely worth it. Less fricton means less heat and that equates to a longer life for the pieces/parts. Not to mention, you may even notice a difference in shifting (if you have a manaul). I was going to use Mobil 1 but I've heard really good things about RedLine as well as RoyalPurple. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices.

Cheers,

Joe

[gnegroni]

Well, I thought I would update one last time...

I took the car to dealer and transmission was fixed. Synchros were to blame and they replaced the 5th gear also. Only bad thing was the wait...took about 1 1/2 months to have car back because parts department screwed up.

In the end, I'm happy. Thinking about changing to synthetic lube in the future, but which one? I can't find anything in my owner's manual and REDLINE has like 4-5 different manual transmission lubes. What if I were to add a limited slip differential in the future? Would it be the same fluid?