I'm starting to really get to know this 92RS I bought with only 69K original miles. The T-5 in it is acting up in a number of ways: First off, it almost always grinds when I shift in Reverse. Sometimes it won't, but for the most part it will grind, even if I let up on the clutch and shift to 4th and 5th before going into Reverse, it will still grind most of the time. Second, sometimes it will refuse to go into 1st gear when I'm sitting in Neutral say at a stop light. This only happens sparadically, but it is still annoying. Third, the transmission is loud in just about every gear except 4th. By loud I mean, it really whines pretty good. I don't understand it, cause sometimes it will shift into all the gears correctly and other times it acts up like I described. What should I do? Does this T-5 need a rebuild already? If so, how much is a good rebuild? Should I take it to a place like Aamco? What's up with this thing?

 

An aftermarket shifter can account for the sounds you are hearing. Do you have the stock shifter? The T5 does not have a snychro for reverese. You will have to have your car at a complete stop for about a second for it to not grind into reverse. Every now and then you can be stopped and not have the car go into first because of allingment issues. Simply roll the car or start in second gear and go right back to first. Both my T5 and T56 do this. In fact every manual I own right now has done that at some point, including front wheel drive cars. Moving the car a fraction of an inch will allow it to go right into gear.

 

When my T5 won't go into 1st due to alignment (happens rarely), I just apply pressure to the stick, and slowly let out the clutch a bit. As soon as the clutch starts making contact, it will pop into gear.

Else, I shift it into one of the other gears, and that usually gets it so it will then go into 1st.

 

Have you checked your fluid lately? If it'a low or black it might make some noise. If you decide to chane it go with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. I noticed a difference with it. Also, most T5s will grind when putting it in reverese. Just don't force it, I have to 5th or 4th first and then ease it in to reverese and it's OK.

 

Sounds to me like the pilot bearing is bad.

That will UTTERLY DESTROY THE TRANS if allowed to continue for any length of time. Here's some pics of the results.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=237398