Changing transmission fluid because of 2nd gear grinding

[TAndrus]

I've been reading about the problems with cold + 2nd gear grinding and most have said try changing to a synthetic syncromesh transmission fluid. Well, not being very knowledgable.. I asked the guys at the local Sears auto if they did transmission flushes and they said they wouldn't do it for a car over 100,000 miles because if it hasn't been done before, removing the current fluid would lock up the transmission almost instantly. I suppose I could do it myself, but what they said to me is making me iffy about it. I don't know if it has been changed. I bought the car used and the owner before me had only had it for a year (he did not flush it). What should I do?

 

[oldman420]

Forget what they said, changes fluids never hurt your vehicle so long as it's done properly and the right fluid is put back in. Are vehicle takes synthetic 75-90 gear oil in the tranny. I tracked down castrol 80-90 synthetic and mixed in .5 liter of BG synchromesh 2 with it. I had redline mtl in before and my tranny shifted like crap, after i threw my solution in it ran better, not great but 1rst is shot anyway so time for a shep stage 4.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

I know if a car is an auto and the trans fluid is brown or black that it will need a rebuild. Since its a manual I don't see why you couldn't change it. Also Synchromesh is only a band aid, and won't keep you from grinding. Also I wouldn't take what "tech's" at Sear's say as if it were written in stone...there is a reason why they are at Sear's, and not a dealership, and let me tell you it isn't because Sear's pay's more.

 

[Defiant]

I asked the guys at the local Sears auto if they did transmission flushes and they said they wouldn't do it for a car over 100,000 miles because if it hasn't been done before, removing the current fluid would lock up the transmission almost instantly.

This is why:
1.) This bolthead is a "tech" at Sears, instead of a garage.
2.) So many DSM owners do all their own work.
3.) Sears is a good place to pick up shirts and a set of wrenches. Both of which you'll be the only one using.

Don't bother with synthetic. Try Pennzoil Synchromesh first. It may help some, but there are no mechanics in cans nor bottles. There's nothing to "flush" on a manual box, just drain and re-fill. Be sure to remove the fill plug first.

 

[TheWanderer]

OK, I have searched and found answers as to why my 2nd gear grinds, and some fixes for this...my question is though: BG, Redline, and Penzoil, etc are all synthetic right? If thats the case, then would one be able to use Allyson Transsynd? Has anyone tried this? My reason for asking is that I have access to the tools and the fluid, and would like to flush my trans.

 

[ericm]

Unless the Allyson stuff has exactly the same weight and rating as the recommended oil, I would not used it. Some gear oils can destroy bearings in transmissions that are not designed for them.

My '91 GST had second gear "issues" when I got it. Switching to the Redline MTL oil, a Symbiorski shifter mount kit, and a shorter and heavier shift knob from Mach V each helped a bit. It still grinds a little when it's cold but not on every shift like before. The MTL is expensive oil but worth it.

 

[rhino4]

i had a similar problem with my 94 in and outa first gear and using MTL helped out alot once ina while on realll cold mornings i get a little grind but its definately better

 

[lee101315]

It is the syncro.
Shift to second a bit slower, or you can double clutch it.

 

[freshlane]

I had a problem with going into first gear. I changed out the fluid and the problem went away. Hope that gives you some hope.

 

[Defiant]

Pennzoil Synchromesh is not synthetic.

 

[TheMadCheshire]

Let me clear something up about Sears.
I work there and were not all idiots. But many techs have passed through there that are complete idiots. Sears only does transmission flushes on automatics. We aren't even supposed to touch the fill hole on a manual tranny.
The reason we don't do transmission flushes on automatic trannys that have more than 100,000 miles is because of the risk involved with flushing the fluid. The new fluid acts like a detergent(since its new) and therefore will attack all the dirt and grime thats built up. This will most likely damage the clutches therefore making the transmission start to slip. We have done several that are over 100,000 but at the sole request of the customer. Never had a problem with any of them.
I personally don't see a problem with it unless the tranny has about 150-200k on the tranny or the fluid is a very dark brown and smells extremely burnt. Most manufacturers suggest a transmission flush at 50,000 or 100,000, sometimes even sooner. Since Sears isn't your mom and pop's garage, they have to be considerate of what people that don't know much about their car might try and do. This is just a simple way of protecting Sears from buying transmissions. This is espcially important since Sears is not a full service shop and does not replace transmissions.

Futhermore, my car started to grind going into 2nd. I drained and refilled the fluid with some valvaline and some GM synchromesh(had it at Sears, unopened, and they wanted to get rid of it. Mine). Hasn't grinded since. Highly recommend changing your fluid.