A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I'm at 9000 miles now and i thought the tranny would be a little more broken in, but 1st and 2nd are too difficult to get it in the channel. Especially 2nd, it feels like I have to shift down into the channel then pull it down again to get it all the way in. I had one of my friends shift it and he says it feels like a syncro problem. My Z is a 2003, but it was manufactured in May of '03. Wasn't there a TSB about this, something about brass syncs? If anyone could help me out here I'd be grateful. I really need to know if I should go to the dealership and what to tell them. Thanks guys.
A:
Yes there was/is a tranny problem on the '03's but I do not believe that any TSB was ever published. If they did they would be setting themselves up for a recall. I also don't know about this brass/stainless syncro business but I do know that the syncros were re-designed and now employ a double cone type. I have schematics of the old and new on paper but have not uploaded them yet. Depending on the dealer, getting a new tranny may be a hard sell. I could not get mine replaced because of the notchiness or even the grinding but ultimately did on the basis of the noise that it was making. If you hear alot of noise with the clutch out in neutral it is probably not the throw-out bearing. It is the transmission. Unfortunately in my case, the new tranny, the latest part number, does the same thing that the old one did; clunks or grinds into second and third, especially when cold. I ultimately made a video demonstrating the grinding sinse Nissan said there was nothing wrong with it. I didn't get another new transmission but I may be getting a new car soon, fingers crossed as I wait for the results of the arbitration hearing. If it's a problem for you don't hesitate to go to the dealer and keep going until you get satisfaction. And make sure you get a work order even if they only inspect it or test drive it. They are required by law to do so.
edit: Transmissions don't break in. They just break.
Post Edited (May 1, 7:59pm)
A:
That's exactly how mine feels, it doesn't seem to get any better.
A:
Was on the basis of having serious difficulty getting into 5th - 5-10% of the time. After three or four attempts being met with horrid grinding - I practically STOPPED using the gear. It was quickly replaced at the dealership - although they tried to get me to pay for a $200 friction plate (I did NOT have it replaced).
Bottom line - the new tranny is much better - although the first one lasted for 24K before I encountered the issue.
Just wanted to let you all know that there may be an issue with the tranny - that ISN'T your fault.
Cheers!
LAWebGuy
2003 SS 6MT #115