I'm wondering if it's better to rebuild the tranny or just get the synchros replaced and if nothing's wrong, leave the other parts alone? Opinions??

 

start by telling us whats wrong with the tranny

 

The only way to "replace the synchros" is to rebuild the transmission.

They rarely go bad. Virtually always, if the transmission has trouble shifting, it's caused by the clutch.

What behavior are you trying to fix?

 

There's noise when I run it. It sounds like a bit of grinding/squeaking-but it's done this for a while. I dont know if it is the actual synchros or what, but it's just getting really annoying. I talked to a tranny shop yesterday about a rebuild and they said it would run me between 850-950 and take about 2-3 days. Does this sound right for the DC area?

 

I disagree. I've seen a few transmissions (two T5's and a T56) have trouble getting into a certain gear and every time it was caused by a worn synchro.

 

I'm in a similar pickle. I have been hearing this squeaking/scratching sound when in neutral. Now I hear that and a squeaking sound in 5th gear. The cars is on jackstands now and I would like to fix the transmission problem.

Also, how do you determine whether you have a WC T5 or an ordinary one. Mine is an '85 so I'm pretty positive that it is a basic one. If it is the basic one can it be converted to a WC T5? The rebuild kits cost the same at National Drivetrain.

If it is gonna cost $1000 or so to get this one running right shouldn't I just save a bit more and get a T56?

Thanks,
Jason

 

All those problems sound like a bad throwout bearing. Are you sure there's anythign wrong with the trans?

BTW, I've had a T5 have trouble going into 2nd because of a worn synchro. It got so bad it used to jump out of gear. I rebuilt the trans and it works like new.

$950 to rebuild a T5? Well a rebuild kit is $185, so that's a lot of labor. I wouldn't charge someone more than $500 for a basic rebuild. If it needed additional hard parts (gears, sliding sleeves, ect.) then that would be extra. For $950 I could rebuild it and install a whole new "super alloy" gearset. Sounds like your getting ripped off.

 

I don't know that anything is wrong with the trans. The sound I guess is freakin me out.

If the throw out bearing is bad does that automatically mean that the clutch is bad too?

 

Not necessarily. If the clutch isn't slipping then it's fine. Throwout bearings often get like that because a vehicle sits for long periods of time between uses, or if it was driven through deep water. Basically the grease that should be in the bearing is gone, and rust has formed in its place.

It's a pain to pull the trans for a $25 part, but I firmly believe that this is your real problem, not the trans.

 

I do know that the car has been sitting. It is good to know that I am a lot closer than that and a clutch.

Any preferences in throw out bearings?

 

I usually use whatever one comes in the kit with the clutch (Centerforce for Centerforce, ect.). I would just grab a stock new one from GM and you should be good to go.

 

Holy *&#@!!! $850 or more for a damn rebuild? Once again, this confirms my belief that if you want to make a killing in auto mechanics, become a trans man! I've rebuilt a couple of different manual trannys myself, and there's really not a whole lot to doing them. Even if you're not capable of doing it yourself, you can usually locate a guy who does them on the side at home that'll do it for half or less than the quote you just got! The biggest mistake I ever made was having Aammco "rebuild" the first muncie four speed I ever grenaded. They charged me a fortune and it only lasted for maybe a couple of months. Should've known better than to have a shop that deals predominately with automatics do it to begin with. After that experience, I found one of those guys that do it on the side. He did three times the job for less than half the price. I finally got the nerve to tackle one on my own and figured out it's pretty basic and straightforward. Getting back to your initial problem, if the squeaking noise changes pitch or disappears when you either engage or disengage the clutch, then it probably is the throwout bearing.