Okay, I've had a SMC STS until this weekend, which was difficult to downshift into 3rd and occasionally upshift. However, I found that by double-clutching and adjusting my shifting, it wasn't that bad. Now, this weekend I swapped in a Stillen STS, since I thought my SMC had slipped again(didn't though ) and now I really can't third upshift or downshift, however sometimes it goes smooth/perfect.

One thing I did differently on the install that *MIGHT* be causing my problem, but I doubt, is that I didn't use the spacer that Stillen recommends for 2000+ only applications. The only thing I could see different compared to my SMC STS with the spacer dimension-wise was that it raises up the shifter/shift-rod above the linkage to prevent the bottom of the shifter from hitting the heat shield. I chose not to use the spacer, since it required *FILING*, yeah right, the large hole of the shift linkage to match the spacer opening to keep the shift rod from hitting the sides of the linkage hole. Instead of using the spacer, I just used washers to drop the heatshield down and clear, like I had with the SMC STS.

Also, maybe a clue to something *ELSE* like my tranny, synchros, throw out bearing, etc., when I try and upshift to 3rd and I get "blocked", I can hear a whirring or squealing sound. What is that?

I've also read about loosing a spring/check-ball when changing your MT fluid through the WRONG hole. I did this about the same time I put in the SMC STS, I think, so I'm wondering if that could be the real culprit on my 3rd gear issue? Possible?

Last, why would the Stillen STS make my 3rd gear more of a PITA over the SMC STS? I'm pretty sure my SMC was adjusted shorter then the Stillen, but I could be wrong. Ideas?

Thanks in advance~!

 

Now is it only 3rd gear your having this problem in? I would want to sort of rule out a throw out bearing or anything clutch related because usually, you would just have difficulty shifting regardless of gear, but I'm not saying it couldn't happen though, but the chances are slim. I don't think a spacer would make any difference. If you can get to 1st and 5th fine, it shouldn't make a difference. As for spring and check ball, if you pulled the wrong bolt you would know it because the only way it can come out is through the hole the bolt goes through. It can't go the other way unless the shift shafts the check ball rests against was in the wrong position and completely clear of the check ball. Though you can look at an exploded diagram of all the places those check *****/spring should be and check each one for peace of mind.

How has the tranny been lately though? Other than the problem with 3rd, has thier been any noticable whirring, bearing noise or anything? All the other gears shift smooth? Also have you checked the tranny fluid or the little magnet on the fill plug for metal shavings? Hope this helps a little.

S

 

yes. that is very possible. after my friend finished my tranny and had it back in the car we took it for a test drive. The car would not shift into 3rd gear at all. And this spring/check-ball was the culprit. I pulled it out and put it back in. Went back out for another test drive and the car shifted ever so smoothly into 3rd gear. check that spring/check-ball. i'm willing to bet thats what it is.

 

Yes, third gear only. It's almost 50/50 now that I can't get it into 3rd withOUT forcing or double clutching.

Cool. It was just a guess, since in actuality, moving the bottom of shift rod up, slightly changes the angle of the linkage rod. However, my SMC has been that low and lower and *NEVER* acted this stubborn.

I'm not sure about this. I've heard of more then one other person removing one of the other bolts and later finding the ball/spring in the pan. I never emptied that pan, so I wouldn't have known. Just trying to think of ANYTHING at this point.

Fine. When I first got the SMC, I had it WAAAAY way too short and it was difficult downshifting, but upshifting was super close and easy. Then the nylon ball slipped until the shifter hit the front of the console and it was even more difficult, but manageable. I finally got a chance to pull it, need two people IMO, raised it up considerably higher then where I had it when I installed it the first time. Downshifting was easier and throws were noticeably longer, but seemed no longer then stock.

It stayed this way for awhile, third was still a bit notchy/difficult at times, and then started getting more and more difficult to down shift, but nowhere as bad as before. So, I bought the Stillen STS, ASSuming it has slipped again, since the gap between the shift rod and console was pretty close/almost touching. I pulled the SMC Saturday and the ball hadn't budged. I installed the Stillen STS and it's very difficult to get into 3rd pretty much every time. Going from 1st/2nd is awesome, 3rd/4th good, 5th is stiff not bad, however 2nd/3rd, 4th/3rd, pretty much never get 5th/3rd.

 

I always had that in the back of my mind, but from the sound of the FEW I've read, it's pretty obvious and mine wasn't.

WHY would the Stillen STS would make that worse though?

Now I need to find some pictures on how/how NOT to change the fluid...I used one I found on the .org.

It's time to dump it anyways and I'm going to order new ones incase I find where they go.

 

Wow, its really been an issue? I never realized that. We had that problem with iansw's car when we swapped it to a 5-speed. Some how the check ball got inside the tranny which we attributed to shipping because there was enough force put on it to force one of the shift forks into the wrong position which caused the tranny to not shift at all, and the fact that we didn't realize we needed to remove the check ball and spring when removing the tranny cover! Either way best idea is to remove/check all the springs and see what happens from there. Still odd that it would be different with the new STS. Either way, I'll check around for other possibilities that could be causing your problem and get back to you.

Sarin

 

My car wont go into third without a fight when im at high rpm but taking it easy it goes right in?

 

how high of an rpm?

 

5000-6500 rpm range.

 

hmmmm...i'm not sure what it could be. possibly syncro going out?

 

Thanks...I guess Ill have to get another tranny .

 

just replace the syncro

 

I have issues getting into 3rd gear sometimes... especially on cold days. I have an STS and you just have to get used to it. Give it a week before you re-learn all the sweet spots on the shifter and you should be alright. It took me a long time to get used to mine... but now I can find the shift points and shift with my pinky! Everyone else who drives my car... nothin but complains that my tranny is f-ed up or somethin since they almost can never get it into gear.

 

That's what I though too, however I'd *NEVER* noticed that "whir" or "squeal" sound before. Might just be coincidence though, since I was actually listening for it.

Definitely *SOMETHING* not good though to make that noise. Any idea what would be causing that?

 

yeah, the whirring sound is normal. Actually mine makes almost a grinding sound as if it's caught in between. Dont' worry about that.

As for teh squeeling.. i dont' think i've noticed that, but I am sure it shoudln't be a problem.

IF it's a throw-out bearing, you should feel it when you press down on the clutch... sorta like a grinding feeling when doin it.

Synchros... nah. When I had my tranny rebuilt, the guy test drove my car and thought my synchros were screwed up. I told him I had an STS and he said that explains it and it was fine.


3rd gear is notorious with the problem you are mentioning if you have an STS. From 2nd to 3rd, it can suck if you don't know the sweet spot.

 

Okay, I guess something else is different between the SMC and Stillen STS, because it's waaaay bad now.

If it doesn't "loosen" up, I'm going back to the SMC or probably just chopping the stocker. Wonder if B&M would be any better?

SMC was okay, but definitely loose, notchy, and had major play/vibration compared to the Stillen piece. Stillen piece is at least 1" taller, which sucks, but it feels much tighter/precise going into and between gears, except 3rd.

In my mind, it's got to be the tranny or angle the STS's change to get the shorter throws and for some reason that I can't figure out, the Stillen amplifies that problem. It was definitely there with the SMC, but 100x worse now.

I'm going to dump the MT90 anyways, so I'll check that 3rd/4th gear detent ball and spring to make sure it isn't the culprit.

 

I have this problem with my STS. After I got my differential bearings problem, I also got this vibration/rattling in the shifter when I go over 80mph. Any idea what that could be? If it was my spring/detent ball, would I be able to fix it without dropping tranny?

damn the 5-spd!

 

Who's helping who...here?

Anyways, all I know is that the vibration on my OEM leather **** was much less noticeable then with my metal AE ****. Then I added the SMC STS which definitely increased the vibration, since when I lowered my shifter down too low, it would actually vibrate enough to make a buzzing sound on the front of the console in 1st/3rd/5th. Stillen just feels "different" to me.

Yes, on the spring/detent ball. It's just held in place by one of the lower tranny bolts, so if you happen to chose the WRONG hole, you could dump them into your pan and not notice. All you would need to do is find/buy a ball/spring and insert the ball, then spring, then bolt IIRC.

 

lol thanks.


Try avoiding chopping the stock stick. I'm sure you will get it to work right. If your stock stick worked fine, it can't be your tranny! maybe you shoudl try puttin back the stock one and see if it has any issues.

well, good luck!

 

Fock~! I've had about enough STS install/uninstall that I can handle, I'd better get this bish figured out soon or *** it and I'm going stock and finding a new tranny soon.