How reliable is the 5-speed tranny?
02-12-2003, 11:45 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10
How reliable is the 5-speed tranny?
I'm purchasing a Maxima really soon (currently have a 96 SE-R) and I'm considering both the 4th and 5th gens. I was reading the FAQ about the manual transmissions and found this:
I did some searching and found that Nissan did solve this problem for the 2000+ models. What I want to know is how common is this problem? I only want a 5-speed and if this is rather common, I may pass up on the 4th gens. TIA.
There seems to be a problem with the 5 speed 4 gen. Maxima's transmissions. Namely 95-97ish models with around 60,000 miles on them. A common problem is the differential bearings have failed. Seems to be that Nissan/whoever built the tranny did not bother to properly shim the preload of the differential bearings. Tell tale signs of differential bearing failure include:
-leaking seals
-metal shavings in transmission fluid
-play in the CV axle where it enters the transmission
-grinding/whining noises when the car is in motion
You may also have the problem and not show any signs of it. My car did not show any of the above signs, until I opened my transmission for a different project and discovered it. Simply changing the seals is not the answer either, as they will just get stretched again.
The repair bill of this item is very expensive due to labor. Probabaly $800 to well over $1000 for labor charges, to change the $35 bearing(s). The transmission must be taken off the car and disassembled to service. If having somebody else do the service, BE SURE THEY PROPERLY SHIM THE NEW BEARINGS OR ELSE THE PROBLEM WILL CROP UP AGAIN!!! Many times the repair shop will just say "screw it" and not shim the new bearings. This is a great way to put a patch on the wound that will just break again.
"Can I do it myself?" Sure. Just prepared to remove and diassemble the transmission from the car. You will also need a precision dial gauge indicator to properly shim the bearings, a factory service manual, and you will need probably a week to wait for parts to come in. Definately not a job for the amature mechanic.
There is nothing you can do short of crossing your fingers to prevent this from happening, it is a manufacturing defect. Hopefully you will catch it before the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty is up.
-leaking seals
-metal shavings in transmission fluid
-play in the CV axle where it enters the transmission
-grinding/whining noises when the car is in motion
You may also have the problem and not show any signs of it. My car did not show any of the above signs, until I opened my transmission for a different project and discovered it. Simply changing the seals is not the answer either, as they will just get stretched again.
The repair bill of this item is very expensive due to labor. Probabaly $800 to well over $1000 for labor charges, to change the $35 bearing(s). The transmission must be taken off the car and disassembled to service. If having somebody else do the service, BE SURE THEY PROPERLY SHIM THE NEW BEARINGS OR ELSE THE PROBLEM WILL CROP UP AGAIN!!! Many times the repair shop will just say "screw it" and not shim the new bearings. This is a great way to put a patch on the wound that will just break again.
"Can I do it myself?" Sure. Just prepared to remove and diassemble the transmission from the car. You will also need a precision dial gauge indicator to properly shim the bearings, a factory service manual, and you will need probably a week to wait for parts to come in. Definately not a job for the amature mechanic.
There is nothing you can do short of crossing your fingers to prevent this from happening, it is a manufacturing defect. Hopefully you will catch it before the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty is up.
02-13-2003, 12:15 AM
#2
only big thing i have heard are the diff bearings.
also i think the 98 alternators have a recall.
i also have a question tho, do 96-99 I30's have the same problem with the diff bearings?
i have a transmission with VLSD (same as the I30), and was wondering if maybe this wasn't a commong problem.
also i think the 98 alternators have a recall.
i also have a question tho, do 96-99 I30's have the same problem with the diff bearings?
i have a transmission with VLSD (same as the I30), and was wondering if maybe this wasn't a commong problem.
02-13-2003, 06:05 AM
#7
Originally posted by BEJAY1
I've got 70K+ on my 4th gen and no problems. Currently researching replacing mine with a 5th gen tranny anyway
I've got 70K+ on my 4th gen and no problems. Currently researching replacing mine with a 5th gen tranny anyway
02-13-2003, 07:24 AM
#8
I bought one of the last 98's around at the time and the only real problem was the alternator recall...but that was free.
Haven't had any tranny problems yet (knock on wood). The ****ing mechanic at the dealer tried to tell me that a bad starter ("whhhheeeeeeessshhhhhh" right after letting go of the key) was a problem with the throwout bearing and not to worry. I'm not an expert so I said "oooooookkkkaaaayyyy" against my better judgement. Weeks later when the starter would fail to engage or go "iohwyioetabnskldgnmqhefwuioghweghsbdva" (bad noise) when I went to start it I realized I was definitely right. They replaced the starter and gues what...no more noise.
Haven't had any tranny problems yet (knock on wood). The ****ing mechanic at the dealer tried to tell me that a bad starter ("whhhheeeeeeessshhhhhh" right after letting go of the key) was a problem with the throwout bearing and not to worry. I'm not an expert so I said "oooooookkkkaaaayyyy" against my better judgement. Weeks later when the starter would fail to engage or go "iohwyioetabnskldgnmqhefwuioghweghsbdva" (bad noise) when I went to start it I realized I was definitely right. They replaced the starter and gues what...no more noise.
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