Manual trans help

So over the past several weeks may T-45 has been acting up when shifting from 3-2 at any speed over 35ish. It goes into gear fine, however it grinds. It just started doing this, and I have tried to produce the result for people and sometimes it does it and sometimes not. Its very intermittent. However, it will not grind at all from 1 to 2, even if I power shift.

What gives ? I need a clutch soon cause the TOB is starting to squeak, so could it be the pilot bearing being worn out too. Or is it the 2nd gear synchro ?

Any help would be much appreciated, and thanks in advanced.

Mel96GT said:

I have a similar problem, 2-3 gear shift grind when shifting fast. Also 4th isn't doing much better. Mine is at a friends tranny shop but it appears the synchro's are giving out. The TOB also squeaks and that is very typical. I'm prolly changing that out too. These T-45's are hit or miss, sometimes you get a good one sometimes you don't. I've had mixed luck since this is the 2nd tranny with grinding (but I've had the car 13 years).

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Well hope your able to fix your problem without spending too much money.

I did fix mine and I am so glad it was an easy fix. I drained the trans fluid and replaced it with redline d4 synthic ATF fluid, which is made for manuals that take ATF, and now it shifts so smooth. The old fluid was pretty darn dirty. I am going to go easy for awhile, to kinda break it in. Now, I can't wait for my mgw shifter.

I called it too early, the trans shifts super smooth with the fluid change except for the 3 to 2 downshift at any speed about 30 mph, below that it is hard to get into 2nd, but it doesn't grind. If I double clutch its fine and if I push and hold the clutch in for 5 seconds and then shift its fine, but any normal downshift, IE coming up to a stopsign or light it grinds.

Only on downshift though, please anybody with any thoughts about what is going on would be great.

Thanks

GDTrumbo said:

#2 & #3 synchro's take a beating in general. I'd say ease up on the 3/2 downshifts or you'll lose the #2 synchro altogether.

Personally, when I do a 3/2 downshift, it's at about 20mph. Downshifting, as a habit, saves break pad wear but does wear on the clutch disc. What's easier/cheaper to replace? A clutch or break pads?

GT

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I have eased up on the 3/2 downshifts alot since I have put more mileage on the car, but I live in an area with tight twisty roads, including my route to work, and when driving these roads, you need to go to 2nd from 3rd so you don't stall out the car. I have tried to drive up to my job in third, but at 15mph, 3rd doesn't work. Plus, I like to drive my car as a sports car, I don't speed but I don't granny shift it around. Trust me, I don't go dropping it into 2nd at 50 + mph, but 40ish, yes.

What I am just confused by is the fact that the grinding was only occuring at speeds above 30 mph, the trans must be up to tempature and only on the downshift.

I took it to the shop today and they are going to call me on monday, but in the worst case, I was looking at buying a ramped up T45 from Promotion Transmission, anybody have any experiance with them?