So Im doin some research and number calling. We all kno the VQ30 is bullet proof. But that darn Nissan 5spd certainly is not. I called a couple of places cuz im in the market for a new 4th gen to replace my last 4th gen that was totaled over the wknd (god rest its soul ). I found one with 185k mi 1996 5spd GLE for 2100 bucks. However the car already has a rebuilt tranny that is 3 yrs old and starting to make bearing "noises" from within the tranny. Apparently the tranny doesnt leak at all so not a differnectial issue maybe a bearing on the gear shaft. hell from the insurance money ima get ima jus replace it. Here are my options:

$1350 remanufactured tranny, from FLA, delivery included
or
$850 used tranny with 80k mi, from FLA. delivery included.

the Company says they test the reman and warranty both tranny for a yr.

$1350 for a gutted tranny with all new parts or a used one?? Or shd i jus call the dealer and get a brand spanking new one.

O and what is the difference between non-locking and locking transmissions and how do u kno which one is installed in yur car. THanks

 

Just get a used 1 and save the extra cash.

 

Get the used one. If you're really concerned, you can buy a rebuild kit. I wouldn't trust a "remanufactured" tranny because you have no idea why the previous owner "remanufactured" it.

 

go used with low miles. Also locking diff tranny is a LSD tranny and non locking diff is not .in other the locking diff tranny both wheels spin. And the non locking tranny only one wheels spin. Go locking diff I did on my maxima when my trans blew up and felt a big diffrence on the take off all u gotta do is replace 1 drive axel to LSD one just don't remember which 1

 

or, get the used trans.......

 

Thanks peeps.

I may still get the reman...they sd they test them before sale, and its only a lil more.

 

Only a little? Its like $500 more. I mean, thats not a little to me.

I would say go used, cheaper, and with an 80k mile trans, it really should last a good while before goin out on you. Unless you beat the hell out of it that is.

 

The trouble with Maxima transmissions is they either last a long time or they don't. I've seen 60k transmissions that are shot and 180k transmissions that have little wear. I've also rebuilt a lot of remanufactured transmissions, which are never re-shimmed to the proper bearing settings. Those shops are too high-volume to take the time or even know to do that, and in many cases I find other things wrong with them inside.

If you absolutely can't find a competent rebuilder, at least take that used transmission to a transmission shop and have them remove the diff to inspect the bearings. It will take about an hour and will tell you about the most common problem with these transmissions. If you're near PA I'll do it.

David

 

I have 227K miles on my original tranny. Hopefully your next 1 will last you the same OP.

 

Rebuilding a transmission is a little >< more involved that buying the rebuild kit.

Dave

 

you is right sir. i put a used 70 k trans in my 95 last june and have been ok. had to replace a mount. its hit or miss kids, used from a reliable place with a warranty is the way to go. and for gods sake, dont put standard dextron 2 transmission fluid into a used one. they make like 6 different grades of tranny fluid for a reason.

 

Agreed! Used is most always a better bet. Many of the things I have gotten as 'remaned' have been crap. Not all, but Dave brings up a valued point, larger shops, mass output = ? reliability at best.

A rebulid is a bit more complicated, but doable if you're so inclined. As for the fluid ... LOL No, do NOT put Dex II or any other fluid except GL-4 ... ONLY. As per Nissan spec.

 

Its hit or miss with either like mentioned. My used tranny has been working great, no noises at all. My cousins used tranny had bearing noises right after he installed it and it blew after a few years. IMO dont buy an older tranny or one with high miles. Also if you can, check the used tranny for diff play before you buy it. All you have to do is wiggle it thought the axle holes. My stock diff had 1/8" of play and was noisy as hell. You cant check the input shift bearings with out opening up the case. You should get a warranty either way.


Since when have our trannys been this expensive? I paid $650 for my 01 AE lsd a few years ago.

 

700.00 for a 70,000 mile trans with a 3 month warranty. so far, so good, ( fingers crossed )

 

When i had my 4th gen i had put a used one in. 90k mi for 700.00 bucks. Granted i only had it for a couple of months before some stoopid a** woman crashed into it, but it was workin fine up unitil then.

I kno reman is a long shot, especially if someone else is doin the reman. If i cd do it myself i wd feel more confident about it. But i have never even pulled a tranny before, let alone rebuild one. I jus want somethin reliable but its all a crap shoot.

The only reason i am lookin at the car is becasue its the only 5spd i have found in my area and i dont want an auto. Tryin to find a 5spd is so darn hard man, for any freakin car. 5spd are becoming extinct.

 

Both of those prices are too high. I used to rebuild and sell these transmissions and worked at a high performance and race transmission shop for 3.5 years. I would not buy either of those, rather, I'd buy one from dgeesaman since I know he knows what he's doing rebuilding them (i.e. he knows how to reshim them and how important that is) and he's way cheaper than the prices you were quoted if my memory serves me correctly.

With regards to the issues you describe with the trans already in the car.

Diff bearings don't really make any 'noise' that I've ever heard when they're bad, and just because they aren't leaking doesn't mean they aren't bad. They can be bad without leaking and without noise.

Input shaft bearings make noise before they leak, but if you let them get bad enough the input shaft front bearing will eventually cause leaking. If the car is making a noise at idle without your clutch pedal pressed in, and then that noise goes away when the clutch pedal is pressed in, then that is definitely a bad input shaft bearing (or two).

 

Look up Green Leaf auto online. They give pretty good deals and you can buy a lifetime warranty for it...like an extra $150.00. I use to buy for my accord and they replaced my motors and trannies at no charge. Plus if you get lucky they don't aske for the core back.

 

1,226.44 - Greenleaf, shipping, & lifetime warranty!