aminus21

iTrader: (14)

Hello everyone, I went to check out an 89 5-speed today and to downshift from 3rd to 2nd you need to
1) while in 3rd let go of the gas and
2) push the clutch and then put into neutral
3) push gas till around 3-4 rpm
4) then while the rpm is up there quickly switch shift from 3rd to 2nd

I hope this makes sense. At frist when I was driving I couldnt do it, then the owner drove around and showed me the "trick", then I got the hang of it. The problem also happens when upshifting from 1st to 2nd IF THE RPM IS BELOW 3k when shifting from 1st to 2nd.

I also heard this weird sound when the car was idling and the clutch not pressed. Then I pressed the clutch the sound went away. the clutch master and slave cylinder was replaced 2 months ago, and the car has 215k miles on original tranny and engine..I know its a lot.

What exactly is the problem?? Does the transmission need to be replaced, or is it repairable?? The owner said something about it being the "synchronizer" but he wasnt quite sure.

If replairable is it a big job???? I have no transmision experience, just radiator, vavle covers, axles, fuel injectors, and easy stuff like that.... Thanks, hope someone knows what the problem is.

Bman

I'm going to take a wild guess that the synchronizers in the transmission are shot, but regardless of what the problem is transmission problems are expensive to fix, and there is definitely something wrong here. I'd move on unless you get a really good deal and the rest of the car is pristine. Milage is high though.

aminus21

iTrader: (14)

Can the synchronizers be fixed/changed or does the tranny need to be replaced. I know it has high miles, but I like the car.......and its a good car..other than tranny

Bman

Yes you can replace the synchros, but it's still a lot of work to remove the transmission and take everything apart to fix it. Usually you just rebuild the whole thing or replace it with a rebuilt unit. $$$$ either way even if you do all the yanking/installing yourself I believe.... someone who knows more about this (or has actually done it) should chime in.

subs1000w

the shifting problem sounds like sycros as already mentioned

the other sound that goes away when you push the clutch in is input shaft bearings which should be replaced when the trans is rebiuld

if you pull the trans yourself expect to pay 800 to 1000$ for a bench rebiuld

how much is the guy asking for the car

twinkle

iTrader: (1)

yea, any time you have to double clutch on a modern transmission that isnt in an 18 wheeler or similar truck the syncronizers are shot, but a rebuild will fix that...

aminus21

iTrader: (14)

I called up a few places today. The guy said he wanted $430 for labor only on the rebuild if I brought him the transmission out of the car. He said $580 if he took it out from the car. He said that the bearings kit is around $80-100, and the synchronizers would have to be bought from the dealer, since no one makes aftermarket ones.

Does that sound reasonable??
What else is involved in a rebuilding a transmission other than the synchronizers and the bearings????
Thank you all.............for the advice I really appreciate it.

Loe max

iTrader: (6)

How much is the car first? If its about $2000 and your going to spend and extra $600, you might as well look for a 92-94 Maxima SE without transmission problems from a private owner

aminus21

iTrader: (14)

He's asking $1000

subs1000w

sounds like a decent deal youll have a nice max with a rebiult trans for a good price

i spent 400$ in parts fixing my trans the first time

that included replacing 1st and 2nd syncro and a few other things but didnt realy do a rebiuld and after that it shifted like glass

hard parts from the dealer arnt cheap

aminus21

iTrader: (14)

Yeah i think its an ok deal, 1 fuel injector is bad, but that shouldnt be much of a problem.
How much did you pay per synchro??? And there is 5 total right?? None for reverse??
What else is invloved in a "rebuild"???

and is it possible/easy/not toooo hard, to remove tranny with no power tools??

Loe max

iTrader: (6)

then that would be a wonderful deal.

bonzelite

iTrader: (2)

sometimes i have to do as you describe if i mis-shift. but not as a standard-fare behavior.
have the tranny rebuilt if you really like this car. you will need to put money into any used car anyway to work out all the kinks. figure it in to the budget.
you'll still get away cheap here.

consider a fidanza flywheel and upgraded clutch when you have the tranny dropped. might as well start the modding. you'll be glad you started right away with parts already out.

subs1000w

yes you can remove the trans with a ratchet set and a basic jack and jack stands

i paid 60 to 80 per sycro but i also had to replace some gears

http://www.drivetrain.com/ can get the sycro kit with all the sycros for about 250$