Nubo

After reading all the transmission threads I was starting to become concerned since I've had a bit of noise in mine. In particular, I had a soft whine that was most pronounced in 4th gear, and when shifting into 4th. This had actually been present from day 1 but figured it was in the realm of something that might be considered "normal" and I was waiting to see what would happen when I switched to Red Line gear lube. I've got about 4700 miles on the car. After seeing all the transmission threads though, I was beginning to think perhaps a noisy synchro or thrust bearing. I'd also read about the shift fork issues.

So, last week while going down the highway I put it in 4th to listen closely and I started gently pressing the shifter in different directions while engaged to see if it influenced the noise at all.

As I pressed directly forward in the direction of 3rd gear, the stick began to buck somewhat. I backed off. But here's the weird part -- the noise was totally GONE! No more "synchro" whirr when shifting into 4th, and no more whine while engaged. I didn't realize how much the noise was bugging me until now that it's gone. Keep in mind, I'm a bit hard of hearing The car is even more of a joy to drive now.

Funny now that the tranny is quiet I'm more concerned than I was before. But, what to do? Take it in to the shop complaining of a lack of noise? Lol; I'm sure that would be a new one at the shop.

I'd love to hear any theories of just how this maneuver eliminated the noise. I've got some notion of "hammering" a loose bearing or synchronizer ring into place but I really don't have a clue.

(disclaimer - I'm not advocating anyone else try this)

beachdog

Got no theory on how what you did fix the noise. Well I'll make a guess. The pressure you applied ie gently forcing the synchros apart provided some additional break-in and improved some clearances. How's that for vague?

I revel in gear whine. In 6th gear at 55-65mph by slightly adjusting the throttle I can practically play scales.

Shamblerock

I have had the same sounds like you and I noticed it even more when DSC was turned totally off?!!?!? Then it goes away, then it comes back, etc... so I think the sound went in to remission temporarily.

Nubo

Interesting; I'll try turning of DSC and see what happens. I think there had to be some cause and effect with the shifter though. It picked that very moment to stop, after many miles.

Ft Liquordale

if it sounds hydrolic, then you had the same problem as me and you need a new transmission. Either way, I'd take your car to the dealership and explain what your problem is and state you know people with simillar problems. They told me they had a bad batch from the factory.

AF-RX8

I would agree that your pushing on the Gear, caused a little grinding which for some reason silenced the mechanical part that was making the noise. It could have grinded it away ...

I definitely would not worry about it as it does not sound like an issue at all. Sometimes when cars are broken in, things like this happen.

I've had manual transmissions that were hard to shift when brand new and with time became smooth as butter ...

crosswound

just wondering have you tried launching your car like i mean going to almost redline in first gear and quickly getting into 4th gear? because i have that same noise your describing when i do that but when i don't launch the car theres no noise i know its not my driving because other more expiernced friends i have did the same thing.