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Transmission issue - 4th gear grind

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Old Oct 30, 2013 | 11:12 AM
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Default Transmission issue - 4th gear grind

I recently just started having an issue with 4th gear grinding when the shifter enters into that gear. After the transmission has entered 4th gear it is fine. This does not happen all of the time. I've noticed that when the transmission is cold it doesn't happen (first 10 minutes driving), after that it seems to be 50-60% chance that it will grind when entering. I've noticed it only grinds from 3 to 4. I cannot get it to grind from 5 - 4.

I've done my fair share of reading up about this problem. I did a shifter alignment but it did not resolve my problem. The shifter goes into all of the gears pretty smooth(4th seems to go in fine but it grinds) so it doesn't seem to be an alignment issue but I'm no expert. I did install a Hurst short throw shifter a couple months back but this issue has only started recently. I also didn't notice any negative difference on smoothness/notchyness when moving to the Hurst shifter. I've read about changing the transmission fluid to correct the problem but wouldn't that only mask the problem if it works? It doesn't grind in other gears at all. Any guidance or information with your own experience with this situation would be helpful.

I'm assuming the worst, transmission rebuild. I do not think I have the mechanical knowledge to complete a job like that or even pull out the transmission without some soft of assistance. Another item I would like to mention is that there seems to be a lot of play within or around the transmission. It is quite noisy and after putting it in to some of the gears it sounds like 'gear chatter". Sometimes I can hear things clank back and forth a couple times after putting it in to gear and letting off the gas during casual driving. Would rebuilding the transmission tighten up those components or are those external to the transmission, clutch and other items?

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Edit: just some relevant information, car is a 98 Coupe with 85k on the clock.

Last edited by ZratedLS1; Oct 30, 2013 at 11:14 AM.
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Old Oct 30, 2013 | 04:45 PM
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Bill Curlee
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From: Anthony TX
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FIRST THINGS FIRST,,,,,,,,,, Change out you old trans ATF with new ATF or better use some AMSOIL Torque Drive ATF

A $25 fluid change coulkd solve ALL your issues!!

You would be amazed at how NASTY your old fluid is and YES, it affects synchro operation! The old stuff will look like dark red metal flake paint!

If that isnt the issue, you are most likely looking at a clutch that isnt fully disengaging when depressed or a synchro and or clutch fork that is/are worn.

That would require a trans rebuild.

BC
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Old Oct 30, 2013 | 05:00 PM
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Thanks for taking the time to reply Bill. I'll change out the fluid and see how it operates. I'll hope for the best!
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Old Nov 3, 2013 | 05:03 PM
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I put Amsoil Torque Drive ATF into my transmission and it did not change the behavior. I'm thinking to resolve this issue the transmission will have to be rebuilt.

I have a question, if the transmission needs to be rebuilt and thus it will be pulled out. What other components should be replaced at that time to avoid having to drop the transmission again? Clutch and so forth?
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Old Nov 3, 2013 | 05:46 PM
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Bill Curlee
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From: Anthony TX
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Well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, You tried and now that you know it needs repair and, sending the transmission to a proven T56 repair person, is the NEXT logical thing to do.

I trust Rick Kim RKT56 with my transmission / differential needs. EXCELLENT repair and upgrade specialist!

While its out, you need to inspect and repair the following:

Replace the clutch, slave Cyl, throwout bearing, pilot bearing, add a remote bleeder.

Disassemble and inspect the torque tube bushings

Replace the clutch master cyl

Check out the following differential improvements! At a minimum, do an output shaft seal replacement

- C5, ragtopws6 , Upgrading your C5 rear with C6 Z06 guts, : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html
-

- C5, Its_Go_Time, Output Shaft Install - Left and Right: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1573407966

- C5 Differential Seal replacement: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html
-
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