4th gen 5 speed sucks
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 282
From: Lawrenceville, GA
4th gen 5 speed sucks
Yes. I said it. This transmission just doesn't have any of the qualities a good manual transmission has.
People buy a manual over an auto for performance, longer service life, economy. The 4th gen auto in 4th gear revs the engine lower then a 5 speed. A 5 speed has lower gas mileage over an auto because of it, not to mention that by running the engine at a higher RPM decreases engine life over an auto so it sucks on the highway. The 5 speed is a weak transmission. It blows. I seen a couple people here with blown transmissions. I don't care if they are driven hard. That's why it's a manual. And they also leak oil. They don't usually last long before a rebuild neither.
This 5 speed just doesn't perform like a manual transmission, isn't economic like a manual transmission and it's not dependable. I had an auto 97 Max with 200k miles before this 99 and the transmssion was still going strong. This manual wont last as long.
I'll give it props because there is a VLSD version so you can at least get massive FWD wheel spin from BOTH wheels instead of just one - I think I'm in trouble on that last one
People buy a manual over an auto for performance, longer service life, economy. The 4th gen auto in 4th gear revs the engine lower then a 5 speed. A 5 speed has lower gas mileage over an auto because of it, not to mention that by running the engine at a higher RPM decreases engine life over an auto so it sucks on the highway. The 5 speed is a weak transmission. It blows. I seen a couple people here with blown transmissions. I don't care if they are driven hard. That's why it's a manual. And they also leak oil. They don't usually last long before a rebuild neither.
This 5 speed just doesn't perform like a manual transmission, isn't economic like a manual transmission and it's not dependable. I had an auto 97 Max with 200k miles before this 99 and the transmssion was still going strong. This manual wont last as long.
I'll give it props because there is a VLSD version so you can at least get massive FWD wheel spin from BOTH wheels instead of just one - I think I'm in trouble on that last one
As for the mileage, the manual gets slightly better city and slightly worse highway. In practice you will have your foot in it more with the 5 speed though. I average about 20mpg and I've got a lead foot.
As for the revs on the highway, get over it. First of all, the reason for the short gearing is the passing power. Have you ever had to downshift cruising at 70 in order to make a pass? I haven't. Put your foot in it and the car just moves, at 3 grand it's just sitting at the bottom of the torque band. At 140 (top speed) the VQ is sitting at peak power (5600RPM or so), so from a performance standpoint the fifth gear is perfectly acceptable. Second of all, the VQ is not going to blow up on you because you're turning it over at 3000rpm, most people get at least 300k out of this motor, aside from a few outliers. Just use full synthetic like you should and you'll be fine. I've taken a few extended trips (300 miles) in my car turning over 4 grand the whole time. If you think that's bad, go drive an NA miata. That thing's fifth gear is shorter than an A32's fourth, 80 is ~4200rpm and the car redlines at 6500.
As for the strength, while it isn't particularly bulletproof, it deals with a ****ton of wheelhop and tards with stage 69 clutches chirping gears everywhere they go. If your auto is lasting longer chances are you weren't driving it hard enough.
The VLSD was also offered in the AT if you know where to look. Only I30s and Canadian A32s received the VLSD 5 speed, you won't find one in a USDM A32 Maxima.
As for the performance, I don't know what to tell you. It performs just fine for me, if you're unhappy with the gas mileage either rebuild your tranny with an Altima fifth gear and higher FD or go auto (didn't think so).
I will openly admit that the Maxima manual transmission isn't exactly the best tranny in the world, but I would rather an awesome engine and decent transmission than vice versa. It's got some nice, short gearing, and while it has basically a ski pole shifter, it has a nice direct feel to it. The main concern from a performance standpoint is the crappy synchros that make it near-impossible to shift lightning quick on a car with high miles.
As for the revs on the highway, get over it. First of all, the reason for the short gearing is the passing power. Have you ever had to downshift cruising at 70 in order to make a pass? I haven't. Put your foot in it and the car just moves, at 3 grand it's just sitting at the bottom of the torque band. At 140 (top speed) the VQ is sitting at peak power (5600RPM or so), so from a performance standpoint the fifth gear is perfectly acceptable. Second of all, the VQ is not going to blow up on you because you're turning it over at 3000rpm, most people get at least 300k out of this motor, aside from a few outliers. Just use full synthetic like you should and you'll be fine. I've taken a few extended trips (300 miles) in my car turning over 4 grand the whole time. If you think that's bad, go drive an NA miata. That thing's fifth gear is shorter than an A32's fourth, 80 is ~4200rpm and the car redlines at 6500.
As for the strength, while it isn't particularly bulletproof, it deals with a ****ton of wheelhop and tards with stage 69 clutches chirping gears everywhere they go. If your auto is lasting longer chances are you weren't driving it hard enough.
The VLSD was also offered in the AT if you know where to look. Only I30s and Canadian A32s received the VLSD 5 speed, you won't find one in a USDM A32 Maxima.
As for the performance, I don't know what to tell you. It performs just fine for me, if you're unhappy with the gas mileage either rebuild your tranny with an Altima fifth gear and higher FD or go auto (didn't think so).
I will openly admit that the Maxima manual transmission isn't exactly the best tranny in the world, but I would rather an awesome engine and decent transmission than vice versa. It's got some nice, short gearing, and while it has basically a ski pole shifter, it has a nice direct feel to it. The main concern from a performance standpoint is the crappy synchros that make it near-impossible to shift lightning quick on a car with high miles.
and 
The manual is not a particularly beefy design, and it has longevity problems. The longevity is a failure on the part of Nissan.
Put in a heavy clutch and start throwing more shock into the drivetrain and it will crumble in most cases. If you treat it well it will last the life of the car with maybe one rebuild. 2000-2001 5 speeds aren't a whole lot stronger. Cry all you want, that's not what the car was designed to do. The VLSD is designed for low-traction situations, not burnouts. The only reason the auto survives longer IMHO is the torque converter that cushions the shock. Proper use of the clutch is equally effective.
Bottom line: this car is a grocery-getter - what did you really expect? A Supra Getrag?
Dave
Put in a heavy clutch and start throwing more shock into the drivetrain and it will crumble in most cases. If you treat it well it will last the life of the car with maybe one rebuild. 2000-2001 5 speeds aren't a whole lot stronger. Cry all you want, that's not what the car was designed to do. The VLSD is designed for low-traction situations, not burnouts. The only reason the auto survives longer IMHO is the torque converter that cushions the shock. Proper use of the clutch is equally effective.
Bottom line: this car is a grocery-getter - what did you really expect? A Supra Getrag?
Dave
Last edited by dgeesaman; Nov 10, 2007 at 05:15 AM.
Yes. I said it. This transmission just doesn't have any of the qualities a good manual transmission has.
People buy a manual over an auto for performance, longer service life, economy. The 4th gen auto in 4th gear revs the engine lower then a 5 speed. A 5 speed has lower gas mileage over an auto because of it, not to mention that by running the engine at a higher RPM decreases engine life over an auto so it sucks on the highway. The 5 speed is a weak transmission. It blows. I seen a couple people here with blown transmissions. I don't care if they are driven hard. That's why it's a manual. And they also leak oil. They don't usually last long before a rebuild neither.
This 5 speed just doesn't perform like a manual transmission, isn't economic like a manual transmission and it's not dependable. I had an auto 97 Max with 200k miles before this 99 and the transmssion was still going strong. This manual wont last as long.
I'll give it props because there is a VLSD version so you can at least get massive FWD wheel spin from BOTH wheels instead of just one - I think I'm in trouble on that last one
People buy a manual over an auto for performance, longer service life, economy. The 4th gen auto in 4th gear revs the engine lower then a 5 speed. A 5 speed has lower gas mileage over an auto because of it, not to mention that by running the engine at a higher RPM decreases engine life over an auto so it sucks on the highway. The 5 speed is a weak transmission. It blows. I seen a couple people here with blown transmissions. I don't care if they are driven hard. That's why it's a manual. And they also leak oil. They don't usually last long before a rebuild neither.
This 5 speed just doesn't perform like a manual transmission, isn't economic like a manual transmission and it's not dependable. I had an auto 97 Max with 200k miles before this 99 and the transmssion was still going strong. This manual wont last as long.
I'll give it props because there is a VLSD version so you can at least get massive FWD wheel spin from BOTH wheels instead of just one - I think I'm in trouble on that last one
My last 5-speed made it to around 300k before the synchros went out. To me thats a pretty decent tranny. Granted I never really abused it, I did get on it from time to time but never really ragged on it daily.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,187
I have a Canadian model with the 5-speed, LSD and thinks its a good transmission. No problems so far. Granted I am only coming up to 71k, mostly highway miles.
I have no qualms with the fuel economy and have received 29 -31 mpg on a US gallon basis on numerous trips.
If you don't drive like the car like you stole it, the tranny should last for quite some time.
Chances are the differential carrier bearing will have to be replaced somewhere along the line, however, on an earlier year 4th Gen.
I have no qualms with the fuel economy and have received 29 -31 mpg on a US gallon basis on numerous trips.
If you don't drive like the car like you stole it, the tranny should last for quite some time.
Chances are the differential carrier bearing will have to be replaced somewhere along the line, however, on an earlier year 4th Gen.
Someone's upset they have to drive an auto...
From a dude who had 2 5spd Hondas, honestly, coming from the best shift linkages in the world, the Max isn't that bad. The clutch/shifter are a little heavier and less precise, but they're definitely not bad.
I don't know about tranny strength but everything on a car will eventually go, especially if you abuse it.
And of course with a 5spd you have better control of your gas mileage... I can lug around in 3rd all day, shift at 1500 all the time, etc. I get 18mpg half city/highway... not bad for a 200HP 3.0L car...
From a dude who had 2 5spd Hondas, honestly, coming from the best shift linkages in the world, the Max isn't that bad. The clutch/shifter are a little heavier and less precise, but they're definitely not bad.
I don't know about tranny strength but everything on a car will eventually go, especially if you abuse it.
And of course with a 5spd you have better control of your gas mileage... I can lug around in 3rd all day, shift at 1500 all the time, etc. I get 18mpg half city/highway... not bad for a 200HP 3.0L car...
I get better than that, and my foot goes through the floorboard sometimes.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 415
Well my 5 speed needs a rebuild after 152k. Shifts fine but the axle moves around a little inthe tranny, I think its the diff bearings that are worn out. I do drive my car hard every day. I usually hit 100mph everyday to work and wip it throught the corners on the way home. I am impressed with the clutch, I still have the origional. Somebody should put a pole of how long there origional 5speeds have lasted.
I am at 266,000 miles right now and i am impressed. I have to change the seal because its leaking... it shifts rough every once in a wile but for a car with all that miles it is very good. The mustangs and camaros that take beatings like we put on our maximas they only last like 80-100k and this is what i see from my friends. The clutch i have is stock changed at 130k and it runs great. If you think the 5speed sucks either you don't know how to drive or u just beat the hell out of the car.
I'll see your dumb and false and raise you AIDS.
If anyone has ever cracked open any Maxima transmission, it's definitely not dgeesaman. 
Given, he's more of a fourth gen guy...
Given, he's more of a fourth gen guy...
You might still want to get tested. 
I'm just saying... you've had unprotected relations with plenty of OEM (i.e. used) wheels in the past few months. I usually try and use spacers, but that will still only do so much.
Already there, my cave has 4 megabit cable.
I'm just saying... you've had unprotected relations with plenty of OEM (i.e. used) wheels in the past few months. I usually try and use spacers, but that will still only do so much.Already there, my cave has 4 megabit cable.
maximas arent meant to be the **** out of everyday and manual trannys arent cheap so i try to keep my "getting on it" to a minimal knowing that the threat of buying a 1200$ transmission wont feel too great in my pockets..so if u wanna beat the **** out of something guy buy a honda with a b series swap and buy stolen trannys for 3-400$...just my opinion though
Last edited by bkmax96; Nov 13, 2007 at 06:57 PM.
I Have a 96 Max (standard) with 290,000 miles on it, original motor and tranny. I bought it from my friends dad, who did all of the up keep himself. The tranny fluid has been changed twice, got its second clutch at 248,000. As for engine rev I am at like 3 grand doing 70-75 (in 5th) which is not really great. But as far as engine life don't think it has any effect as far as high rev lowering engine life due to the fact that most of those miles are highway, meaning he got in the car everyday and drove it down the highway at about 3 grand for hours on end. Gas mileage, he said the best he ever go was 31 but said he mostly got 29-30. I think if I could do 60 at 1500 mpgs would suck, it has no torque in there. Between fighting the wind and hills to maintain 60 you would just be giving it as much pedal as holding it at 2500 - 3000 if not more. When I set the cruise at 3 grand (sorry don't know the exact speed) the pedal stays in pretty much in the same place. Thats better than it constantly changing, letting the cruise dump in fuel and air that it isn't using efficiently every time you hit a hill. Or you could down shift, oooowwww sign me up for that not. I think nissan got the gearing just right for the power the car has and where it has the power. The only thing I don't like about the tranny is the factory throw is kind of awkward, can't tell if its too long or what, or maybe I just suck at shifting. Nissan rocks, I love almost love everything about this car. Water pump not driven by belt assembly so the tension doesn't wear out the bearings and it lasts a lot longer. We replaced it at the same time we put in the new clutch (248,000) car wasn't running hot or anything I mean when do you decide this is kind of a bad science experiment. Sorry to rant and get off topic just haven't been able to post or start a thread yet. This is my first standard car and I've been pretty hard on it but so far it just keeps asking for more. My Max isn't exceptional, your just not using yours for what it was designed for (family car). I'm 19 and naive, and run it out to 6 grand all to often. The day I do and the valve train takes a poopy thats my fault not the cars cause it wasn't designed for that.
Well actually, yes it is. It's the moment before the tires start to spin that gets ya.
Another point about the shifting - if it's not very precise, buy a new shifter bushing and install that. Most Max's on the road are not as smooth as they once were for this reason.
Dave
Another point about the shifting - if it's not very precise, buy a new shifter bushing and install that. Most Max's on the road are not as smooth as they once were for this reason.
Dave
I Have a 96 Max (standard) with 290,000 miles on it, original motor and tranny. I bought it from my friends dad, who did all of the up keep himself. The tranny fluid has been changed twice, got its second clutch at 248,000. As for engine rev I am at like 3 grand doing 70-75 (in 5th) which is not really great. But as far as engine life don't think it has any effect as far as high rev lowering engine life due to the fact that most of those miles are highway, meaning he got in the car everyday and drove it down the highway at about 3 grand for hours on end. Gas mileage, he said the best he ever go was 31 but said he mostly got 29-30. I think if I could do 60 at 1500 mpgs would suck, it has no torque in there. Between fighting the wind and hills to maintain 60 you would just be giving it as much pedal as holding it at 2500 - 3000 if not more. When I set the cruise at 3 grand (sorry don't know the exact speed) the pedal stays in pretty much in the same place. Thats better than it constantly changing, letting the cruise dump in fuel and air that it isn't using efficiently every time you hit a hill. Or you could down shift, oooowwww sign me up for that not. I think nissan got the gearing just right for the power the car has and where it has the power. The only thing I don't like about the tranny is the factory throw is kind of awkward, can't tell if its too long or what, or maybe I just suck at shifting. Nissan rocks, I love almost love everything about this car. Water pump not driven by belt assembly so the tension doesn't wear out the bearings and it lasts a lot longer. We replaced it at the same time we put in the new clutch (248,000) car wasn't running hot or anything I mean when do you decide this is kind of a bad science experiment. Sorry to rant and get off topic just haven't been able to post or start a thread yet. This is my first standard car and I've been pretty hard on it but so far it just keeps asking for more. My Max isn't exceptional, your just not using yours for what it was designed for (family car). I'm 19 and naive, and run it out to 6 grand all to often. The day I do and the valve train takes a poopy thats my fault not the cars cause it wasn't designed for that.
ajcool, those new skylines in your sig are badass , i want one
i have one thing i want to say....
IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE ****ING TRANNY SELL THE MOTHER****ER AND GET AN AUTO OR VICE VERSA, THEN DON'T EVER BUY ONE AGAIN!!!!!
i have one thing i want to say....
IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE ****ING TRANNY SELL THE MOTHER****ER AND GET AN AUTO OR VICE VERSA, THEN DON'T EVER BUY ONE AGAIN!!!!!
I know what you mean, I used to be auto but swapped and have never looked back. I often drive home very late as well and I think the 5 speed helps me stay awake honestly...when it was auto I remember drifting off very frequently. Plus driving a 5 speed helps you be MUCH more aware of the road and your speed if you ask me. it sounds opposite, but like everyone says "I have an auto , i can eat, drink, flip channels on the radio all while driving"...exactly my point...your going to multitask because you can. kinda like sleeping and driving at the same time
anyway I know that was kinda besides the point but this thread has gone down the drain anyway. Be happy your auto's have 4 gears..i have an el camino with only 3....
