T-5 problems . . . . or maybe clutch problems . . .

[SetofAces]

So my car was grinding pretty bad every time that I tried to shift it quick before, so I just changed the tranny fluid w/ Merc ATF. NOW, it shifts even worse than before; I tried adjusting the clutch, I pull it back but when I push it all the way to the firewall it doesn't click like I read it's supposed to . . . maybe I need a new clutch quadrant? At any rate it's annoying having all of this new horsepower and not really being able to do much with it. When I shift slowly, it doesn't really shift that harsh btw.

Any help is apprecciated,

Thanks

Jon

 

[nunly94gt]

T-5's are not known for there ability to handle power, I blew my old car's sky high.

Sounds like it could be a synchronizer issue. But, thats for just grinding issues. Mine I have now grinds, But, I need a new clutch. I can tell by how it lets go.

Is it grinding when your sitting still?

 

[SetofAces]

No, it only grinds when I try to shift it quickly . . . even sometimes when I don't shift it that quick, it wasn't near this bad before I changed the fluid. I just drove it and I do seem to have 1"-2" of travel from the floor before it engages so maybe the clutch isn't the problem after all; a new tranny is the last thing I can afford right now, so I hope it isn't the synchros.

 

[SetofAces]

Great, I just read that the recommended fluid for most T5s is dexron II . . . Think I damaged my tranny by using mercon atf?

 

[HISSIN50]

Mercon is what it takes.

I would go with an aftermarket quadrant and FWA so you can adjust things a little better. Based on what you said, you're on the verge of not disengaging.

 

[blackened88lx]

I agree with quadrant and fwa with a stock cable. Sounds like it's grabbing way too low.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Mercon/Dextron III is what it takes....non-synthetic too. Synthetic fluids are too slick and can cause premature grinding issues.

 

[HISSIN50]

Mike, why do some builders then recommend or insist on the use of synthetics in their boxes?

 

[wythors]

My builder recommends Amsoil full synthetic.

 

[ID89GT]

That stuff reminds me of kool aid.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Mike, why do some builders then recommend or insist on the use of synthetics in their boxes?

I was just referring to a stock t-5. Aftermarket transmissions all depend on synchro material, bearings and how tight the specs are. Same idea as engine builders using different weight oils than stock.

Stock T-5 with stock-type paper synchos - I'd use regular ATF


I rememeber withthe t-3650 Tremec actually had a "fix" requiring draining out the synthetic ATF and filling with conventional ATF to get the 2nd gear synchro to grab better and stop the common 1-2 grind on the 01-03 t-3650's.

 

[strtrcr50]

You can try BG Syncroshift or GM Syncromesh. I've used that in many different transmissions and they all shifted like butter afterwards. Can't go wrong with amsoil either.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Don't go buying all the aftermarket cables, quadrandts, and firewall adjusters. You have a problem with your trans.

T5's are great transmissions, but when they are abused and gears are missed, they develop problems. Get a good tranny shop to tear it down, and replace what's needed. Most of the time it's just synchros/blockers. I had a bad 2nd gear once, but the new parts made it like new. Put a KC clutch in it too and resurface the flywheel. Also make sure you replace the t/o bearing and use conventional fluid.

 

[HISSIN50]

Stock rebuilds have still been recommended to get synthetic.

Synthetic ATF still has friction coefficients. I think some people think they just make it as slick as they can. Not so.

 

[SetofAces]

Don't go buying all the aftermarket cables, quadrandts, and firewall adjusters. You have a problem with your trans.

Get a good tranny shop to tear it down, and replace what's needed. Most of the time it's just synchros/blockers. I had a bad 2nd gear once, but the new parts made it like new. Put a KC clutch in it too and resurface the flywheel. Also make sure you replace the t/o bearing and use conventional fluid.

Yeah, I figured it was just the tranny. As far as having a shop do all the work, unfortunately this is out of the question; I'm still paying for some of my recent upgrades, and while I may be able to afford a rebuild kit, I certainly can't afford to pay someone else to do the work for me. Not that I'm really looking forward to it or anything . . .

I might pick up another t5 if I can find one for cheap enough and rebuild that one, then swap them out . . . It just sucks because I was hoping this tranny would last at least another year, until I already have my suspension done and could afford a TKO, t56 or something of that sort to put in it.

 

[SetofAces]

You can try BG Syncroshift or GM Syncromesh. I've used that in many different transmissions and they all shifted like butter afterwards. Can't go wrong with amsoil either.

I'll try those . . . if I can find them. Also, when I drained out the old stuff, I noticed it was translucent, like pina colada lifesavers (lol) compared to the red merc that I put in it . . . BTW are those different gearbox fluids, or just additives?

 

[strtrcr50]

I'll try those . . . if I can find them. Also, when I drained out the old stuff, I noticed it was translucent, like pina colada lifesavers (lol) compared to the red merc that I put in it . . . BTW are those different gearbox fluids, or just additives?

Those are replacement fluids, not additives.

 

[blackened88lx]

Yea, don't bother getting a good cable and adjusting it properly. Just keep buying new trannys and wrecking them with a misadjusted clutch. A new trans is wayyyy cheaper than a quadrant and fwa Yea, the t5 is a pos. Shouldn't we at least help it a little with a clutch that disengages properly?? Come on now.