Transmission or Clutch Issue?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Birmingham, Alabama
Transmission or Clutch Issue?
I started having some transmission issues in recent weeks. I say transmission, but at this point, I’m not sure if it is clutch or transmission related. The clutch is new within the last few thousand miles. Changed over to Amsoil Synchromesh a couple months ago. Hydraulics have fresh fluid and no leaks.
Symptoms:
Randomly have a rumble and slight RPM fluctuation when up-shifting
Loud rattle and vibration during low RPM shifts and acceleration (i.e. shifting early). Thought this was a product of an aftermarket clutch, but now I am not so sure. I wrote it off as what people described after installing a non DMF, but I am now pretty sure the DMF is still on the car. It also seems louder than that.
Whirling from the transmission during idle until you engage the clutch
Slight tapping in the transmission can be heard with a stethoscope.
I’m also being told that the notchy/gated shift feel is not normal.
Does this sound like a clutch or a transmission issue?
Symptoms:
Randomly have a rumble and slight RPM fluctuation when up-shifting
Loud rattle and vibration during low RPM shifts and acceleration (i.e. shifting early). Thought this was a product of an aftermarket clutch, but now I am not so sure. I wrote it off as what people described after installing a non DMF, but I am now pretty sure the DMF is still on the car. It also seems louder than that.
Whirling from the transmission during idle until you engage the clutch
Slight tapping in the transmission can be heard with a stethoscope.
I’m also being told that the notchy/gated shift feel is not normal.
Does this sound like a clutch or a transmission issue?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 671
Likes: 171
From: Birmingham, Alabama
I changed the fluid a couple months ago and it looked normal. Honestly, I didn’t inspect too much since I wasn’t having any issues. Bad on my part not to inspect it better. I still have 3/4 quart of fluid left, so it might be worth taking a sample
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
You could drain it back out and have a look. Any manual transmission making that much noise will leave a trace in the fluid. If it changes in 4th that's an almost sure sign it is a trans issue.
But if not, you are probably looking at something the clutch and flywheel area.
Either way it has to come apart..
Good luck, bro!
But if not, you are probably looking at something the clutch and flywheel area.
Either way it has to come apart..
Good luck, bro!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 671
Likes: 171
From: Birmingham, Alabama
That's sort of what I was afraid of. I took the car to a reputable shop that has done several clutches for me in the last 10-15 years. He called this morning and seems to think it is the transmission. They are going to check a couple more things, but that is what it is looking like.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 671
Likes: 171
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Got a quote for $4252 to replace the ZF transmission on the car. I think I threw up in my mouth a little when I got the quote. So, I'll be purchasing a rebuilt unit this winter and do the job myself.
