What Grinds my Gears?
 

Hi folks, I have an issue on my 2003 S where when i change into 2nd gear I sometimes here a bit of a grinding noise.

Just wondered if anyone else experienced this before and I would imagine on the extreme end it could be the gear syncro's.

Other possibilites are linkage maybe? Are there any common wear items in the linkage that could cause it?

Thanks!

This is a common problem with the 6 speed transmission. It is caused by excessive wear of the synchromesh and also the detent being a bit weak. If you catch it early you can keep it going longer by installing an aftermarket second gear detent that holds better.

Once it starts popping out of gear when warm you have no other choice than a rebuild.

My 03 S has a similar issue especially when cold. I usually double clutch going into second for the first few shifts and then things clear up. Downshifting from 3 to 2 sometimes grinds if I haven’t properly rev matched but not often.

PS it is definitely the synchro confirmed by my indie. He said live with it for now or pay mucho bucks. I’ve learned to live with it.

Servicing the gearbox with fresh OEM oil may help your synchros to work better
.

This happens to mine as well when cold only. First few times going into 2nd, then its fine the rest of the day

How tough of a job is it to change the synchro? Is it a DIY or something best left to an expert? Asking for a friend. ;)

Not enough for the hassel on mine.

It requires a big press to do it right, I sent mine to California Motorsports in Arizona where they installed their modified schncro & improved detent & billet shift arrester.Now 2nd gear shifts easier than 3rd!

Thanks to all that responded. I think first I will attempt to change the gear oil with OEM or a suitable aftermarket one and go from there.

Good luck. I've recently changed mine twice since the grinding began and new fluid didn't improve things. It certainly needed changing the 1st time since it was still the original and I'd done quite a few DEs. Decided to change the 2nd time to try Motul but that didn't help either. :mad: Hasn't gotten to the point of popping out of gear and it only grinds on the 3-2 shift, so I avoid that as much as possible.

Terry,

Have you tried double de-clutching on the 3-2 downshift? It's a lot slower, but sometimes it alleviates the situation.

Just my personal experience....

TO