Excessive syncro/tranny noise? Problem??? AFE installed.
 

I am aware of that some syncro "whine" is normal, but as of late it seems like my syncros are making a lot more noise than normal. Not just on downshifts or the 1st to 2nd shift, but on EVERY upshift.

This has been especiall noticable since I installed my AFE short shifter. I know that this shifter will naturally cause a little more tranny noise (from what I have read this is more true on downshifts), but now it seems as though EVERY upshift results in considerable syncro whine. Both when leaving the lower gear, and when entering the higher gear.

I am in the habit of shifting gently as to not work the syncros excessively, and this problem occurs on almost any shift above ~2500 rpm, even high rpm shifts.

Should I be worried? Lots of folks seem to be using the AFE shifter and I have not read may complaints about this issue.

I plan on switching to Royal Purple 75w90 fluid, but will this help my problem much? I'd rather not put the stock shifter back in, but I'm kind of worried that the AFE is putting too much strain on the syncros.

Tranny issue? Clutch issue?

I don't drag, and consciously try not to run the tranny hard.

Any and all advise welcome!


P.S. I have only 31K mi. on the car now and its an '04.

My money is more on a clutch issue.

The gearbox is awesome in this car and any problems that come from the gearbox will start at the clutch..

I have some newly aqcuired information that leads me to believe a couple of failed transmissions on this forum havent been because of abuse, but more a clutch problem. Specifically the clutch release cylinder.

You dont happen to have a 08/03 - 10/03 build date do you?

the shifter transmits more noise into the cabin

no dice: not sure off hand about the build date, will check tonight. What might that mean?

Anyone else notice syncro whine both when leaving one gear and again when entering the next gear?

I would try try BG SyncroShift II.

I have an '06 that had the typical transmission/syncro whine and after replacing the trans fluid with the BG, it is essentially gone with much smoother shifting (as it is a little thinner than a typical 75W-90). While this product is not discussed much on this forum, it is recognized by many to be one of the best, if not the best, manual trans fluid out there - you might want to give it a try.

You will have to buy it or get it replaced at an authorized BG Products dealer (there are many in my area), but it is worth it. You can also try ebay as some dealers sell though them as well.

Just from observations, that range seems to have a significantly higher amount of problems with clutch/ transmission

Syncros do their job when you are entering or leaving a gear to match up gear speeds, so if they are whining, they will whine more at these two points as the syncros speed up or slow down to match to the correct speed to allow smooth entry/exit into the next gear you are selecting.

[QUOTE=no dice]My money is more on a clutch issue.

Clutches do not cause "whining" issues - they just slip too much, get hot, and can start creating burning smells - but they don't whine. They may screeech if you wear one down to the point of getting metal to metal contact though.

Whining is almost always comes from the trans (syncros) or differential and is likely only a problem if it is really loud since these cars have drivetrains that whine some normally

I'm on my 3rd trans in 16 months and the clutch has been flawless ... on the last fluid change I found a gear tooth on the magnetic plug so the 4th is probably not far away

Just to update, my build date is 06/03.

I searched but found very little regarding known issues with this build date. Can anyone shed any light on this?

Put your original shifter back in and report back on your findings.

did you take out the green stuffing in the shift boot????

gomez i am dissapointed in you..

beers :beer:

yes,

that is normal

beers :beer:

You poor memory disappoints me, swoopster.

You and I already told him to do that on the 12th August..... ;).

ah,

different thread different time... i am a doushe!

beers :beer:

Thanks for the followup.

Yes, I did take out the green stuff.

I am happy with the shifter overall, don't get me wrong, just a little concerned about the syncros' workload. I also want to switch my tranny fluid. Should I stay away from GL-5 b/c of the LSD additives? I've heard they can negatively impact the syncros' functionality and lifespan?

One other thing about the shifter; the rubber boot is constantly sliding up and off of the white ring. Any suggestions?