wont go into first gear, just grinds.

drewmania1 · Jan 22, 2013

well my car wont into first gear. It was driving fine, but it randomly stopped going into gear. All my other gears work fine, and it will go into gear with the clutch, but as soon as i let out, it just grinds. It doesnt really feel like its going into first gear all the way, but iv been driving without it on and off for about 3 or 4 months now. I replaced the clutch, master cylinder, and slave cylinder. and I already checked the shifter cables to make sure nothing was stopping it from going into gear. All I can think of now is to replace the syncronizers but I was just wanting to make sure before I buy em. also when I would try to hold it in gear, I could sometimes get it to move a little but it would still grind. and every other gear is fine. Iv looked everywhere! and I cant find any one with the same problem I do. but thanks for any help I can get!
Also, I have a 2g with a 6 bolt swap.

Lightnintko · Jan 22, 2013

Where you abusing it prior to this happening? If you were It could be you messed up your trans.

gst96spyderman · Jan 22, 2013

first gear synchro.

perk85 · Jan 22, 2013

^ what he said. Will it go into first with the car off?

pauleyman · Jan 22, 2013

Not necessarily the first gear synchro. Since it's not going into gear at all it could be the hub and sleeve. I've also seen more than one car that had very worn intermediate bearings and the shaft was moving not allowing full gear engagement. Can you start the car in first gear and go or does it pop out? That would be indicative of a shaft or hub/sleeve problem not a synchro problem.

jbflash · Jan 22, 2013

Sounds like a combination of possible internal trans problems. I would double check your clutch is properly adjusted but if it's just a 1st gear issue it sounds like a internal trans problem , could be syncros , worns bearings .. who knows. Best thing is to either take it / send it to a reputable trans shop or swap in a new / used trans. OR obviously if you can do the work yourself then fix it, but I wouldn't buy the parts until you know for sure everything you need.

drewmania1 · Jan 23, 2013

pauleyman said:
Not necessarily the first gear synchro. Since it's not going into gear at all it could be the hub and sleeve. I've also seen more than one car that had very worn intermediate bearings and the shaft was moving not allowing full gear engagement. Can you start the car in first gear and go or does it pop out? That would be indicative of a shaft or hub/sleeve problem not a synchro problem.

Well I dont know if its completely going into gear, I can move it into gear, it just doesnt feel like it goes as far back as it does in the other gears. I could start it up in first with the clutch, but as soon as I start to let out, it pops right back out of gear. It only grinds when I try to hold it in gear and let out. and I cant start it up right now because I took the tranny out last night.

jbflash said:
Sounds like a combination of possible internal trans problems. I would double check your clutch is properly adjusted but if it's just a 1st gear issue it sounds like a internal trans problem , could be syncros , worns bearings .. who knows. Best thing is to either take it / send it to a reputable trans shop or swap in a new / used trans. OR obviously if you can do the work yourself then fix it, but I wouldn't buy the parts until you know for sure everything you need.

It happened a while back when I had my greddy clutch, but I replaced it thinking that could be the problem and it still does it.

pauleyman · Jan 23, 2013

You have internal problems. Once you have the end case off you can test is easily by bolting down the intermediate plate so you've still got tight cases and then check and see if either of the shafts have any play. If the intermediate has play there is your problem. If it doesn't go in and look at the 1/2 hub and sleeve and it's keys and springs. While you're in there put new synchros in. No guts no glory.

gst96spyderman · Jan 23, 2013

BTW, if you are planning on some hp upgrades in the future, I'd suggest doubling 1st and 2nd gear synchros while you are in there

bryanwheat · Jan 23, 2013

pauleyman said:
Not necessarily the first gear synchro. Since it's not going into gear at all it could be the hub and sleeve. I've also seen more than one car that had very worn intermediate bearings and the shaft was moving not allowing full gear engagement. Can you start the car in first gear and go or does it pop out? That would be indicative of a shaft or hub/sleeve problem not a synchro problem.

I would guarantee this to be the problem. There is some flaw in 2g transmissions where the bellhousing side intermediate shaft bearing wears out. I've repaired probably 10-15 with this specific problem.

pauleyman · Jan 23, 2013

It isn't just 2g Bryan. I've done a bunch of 1g as well including my personal transmission. Exact same design shaft with same oiling system which is basically nothing.

drewmania1 · Jan 24, 2013

pauleyman said:
Not necessarily the first gear synchro. Since it's not going into gear at all it could be the hub and sleeve. I've also seen more than one car that had very worn intermediate bearings and the shaft was moving not allowing full gear engagement. Can you start the car in first gear and go or does it pop out? That would be indicative of a shaft or hub/sleeve problem not a synchro problem.

yeah I was checking it out last night and the middle shaft wouldn't even move, I pulled it up a little and found out the bearing on the bottom of it is either broke or messed up somehow. it wouldn't allow any play unless I lifted up on it a little, so I'm guessing that's my problem. Id like to just find the bearings for them and save some money for new synchros but all I could find was full rebuild kits.

pauleyman · Jan 24, 2013

Play isn't only radially. You found it when you checked axial (which is what you were looking for anyway). It's toast. Pull it apart and put new bearings in it.

cisco818 · Jan 31, 2013

I just did a rebuild myself (first time) and all I could say is. Its not the synchro. Its definatrly the intermediate bearing. Just thought I'd put my experience in for someone that's having the same problem. I remember I couldn't find a straight answer so I had to do it myself. :thumb:

gieri002 · Jan 31, 2013

I had the exact same problem with my spyder, so I took advantage of the situation and did an awd swap. :hmm:

cisco818 · Jan 31, 2013

How complicated was that

spyderpassion · Jan 31, 2013

AWD Conversion - Automotive Articles .com Magazine
There are more, but I couldn't find them

cisco818 · Jan 31, 2013

i think i just got inspired

thanks

DSM_GSX01 · Jan 31, 2013

Did you properly adjust the clutch after you put the new one? I would try and adjust it before pulling the transmission.

Could be the syncro is bad and hub or both

gst96spyderman · Jan 31, 2013

DSM_GSX01 said:
Did you properly adjust the clutch after you put the new one? I would try and adjust it before pulling the transmission.

Could be the syncro is bad and hub or both

post #12

pauleyman · Feb 1, 2013

OP if you want just the bearing then buy just the bearing. OEM.

gieri002 · Feb 1, 2013

^ OEM for sure. If you're not feeling up to the the rebuild check the classifieds or your local craigslist, fwd transmissions can be picked up fairly cheap!

cisco818 said:
i think i just got inspired thanks

It was extremely time consuming but the work wasn't all that hard. Make sure you get a parts car if you end up going for it! :thumb:

DSM_GSX01 · Feb 1, 2013

Yea check those shifter bushings also. I put skate board bearings to replace those bearings.

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wont go into first gear, just grinds.

drewmania1

Lightnintko

gst96spyderman

perk85

pauleyman

jbflash

drewmania1

pauleyman

gst96spyderman

bryanwheat

pauleyman

drewmania1

pauleyman

cisco818

gieri002

cisco818

spyderpassion

cisco818

DSM_GSX01

gst96spyderman

pauleyman

gieri002

DSM_GSX01

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