A&Q about 350Z
Q:
okay....I have very important information regarding the 350Z transmission and grinding issues....there is a remedy.
before I begin, some of you are probably thinking to yourselves, why the heck wouldn't I just take it back to the dealer and have them replace the tranny. Well...you could, and I can't stop you...but do you know the truth about what replacement tranny you get?....lol...exactly...i do. You see, transmissions from Nissan (when brought in to be replaced) are not exactly "new"...no, they are refurbished tranny's. You see, they are used tranny's that were rebuilt, heat treated, and acid washed. So, whats the big deal? Acid washing metal, has been known, to weaken the strength of metal by up to 63%. Which means, a not only weak structure for a tranny, but a weak transmission all-together. It does the most damage on light weight metals, such as aluminum. The majority of 350Z owners who had their tranny's replaced, got brand-new units. Anyone who replaced it from 2/04 and on, got rebuilt tranny's.
Now, the good news:
There is a lubricant manufacturer called "Neo", their products are available in the U.S. as well. They are world renowned for their Tranny fluids, brake fluids, and some other motor lubes. They are number one in world rally crossing all over the world. But, back to the point, their Tranny fluid is not only better than Nissans OEM, but it actually gets rid of the 3rd gear grind and eliminates any downshifting problems. Which in turn means, no need to replace tranny and get weaker tranny, and no more grinding. Back to normal!
Oh, btw, digital, please do not respond on this post....as your 350Z is near perfect right?
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
Good to know Thrifty, I think I'll try this before getting them to replace it. Just want to make sure you're talking about a manual transmission though...is that right? Thanks!
A:
yeah, this is only for Manual tranny's. I dunno what the procedure is like for Automatics...
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
This is from NEO's website:
NEO Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a unique product that meets the requirements for all types of automatic transmissions. The base stock is a 100% synthetic with a special additive package designed for the synthetic base stock.
NEO ATF remains stable at higher temperatures and allows operation at much lower temperatures than petroleum products. Starting and shifting at low temperatures and reduced friction at high temperatures produces increased performance and fuel economy. Unlike petroleum based transmission fluids, which boil and cause slippage and transmission damage under severe usage, such as drag racing, NEO ATF retains it's operating properties to temperature levels far above those encountered in automotive operation.
NEO ATF will not decompose at high temperature and form harmful sludge and varnish or corrosive compounds. Sump screens will remain cleaner, thereby allowing full flow
http://www.neosyntheticoil.com/
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
This sounds like the sort of delusion that the Harley people go through on their forums (I'm guilty too). They think that if they get just the right oil then they can rid their motors of all that terrible valve train noise that makes every Sportster sound like it is on the verge of blowing up. You can run Scotts Liquid Gold in your tranny but if you have a synchro problem it isn't going to fix it. I agree with you about the rebuilds though. That could possibly explain why my 008 transmission still doesn't work right.
A:
AND, after 5k miles or so and the grinding maybe comes back or something else goes wrong with it, will your warranty still be honored?
continuous Z owner since '86
A:
It always starts with a little synchro scratching going back to first gear. A new car is usually able to find first gear from 20 to 0 mph. Eventually, that speed lessens until all you get is an excruciating grinding noise unless you are at almost a complete stop.
This noise is very frustrating at the track, especially when the track has a lot of hairpins or very tight corners where first gear would be effective. First gear becomes useless as soon as you shift out of it until you come to a complete stop. The first thing to try is upgrading the transmission oil. The factory Nissan oil is not bad, but there are some very advanced lubricants on the market that can help with this problem.
We all know the basis for R&D on the 350Z is sport competition, so what do World Rally Champions use? Neo Synthetic lubricants, which are manufactured and distributed here in the United States.
We tried some Neo gear oil and eliminated a lot of the issues with the synchros going into first and fourth. The car was once again able to find first gear at around 20 mph. If you have been experiencing grinding issues, there's a chance that nothing short of replacing parts can remedy the problems.
-tm-
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
I wouldn't touch the stuff. Stick with the warranty, it is a sure shot. This tranny fluid will be seen as the cause of the problem through Nissan's eyes if anything should go wrong down the road. Do not give them anything to stand on.
Current Car- Lexus IS300
Sold the 350z:
silverstone enthusiast
Injen CAI
alpine 1004 monitor
Polk momo 6 1/4(4)
Boston Acoutic tweeters
In dash DVD
MMAT 10 inch sub w/kenwood 800 watt amp
6 disc alpine cd/mp3 changer
A:
Then again, you have a good point tommyboy350... Yet, remmember what you are getting when you replace your tranny under warranty....a weaker tranny! Try making good friends with an excellent Nissan tech, and ask'em yourself... my two cents worth taking.
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
#&%r$%##(%$!%$ - fear of moderator deletion.........I luv my 350z............not. It's kinda like havin a high maintanance chik.