All that will indicate is worn clutch components and/or syncros.

Worn tranny bearings mean a constant whine whenever the transmission is spinning. Synthetic fluid is a good short term fix, but really, to properly fix it, the transmission must be rebuilt or replaced.

 

Ok first id like to make the point that the chick from fight club has no attractive qualities (see aaron's avatar).

You guys are all tellin me different things.. there's no whine at idle... there's only a harsh buzz whenever i depress the accelerator (most prominently on 4th gear acceleration). So i get the general idea that its b/c of worn transmission bearings and i need to replace both the transmission and the clutch.. which i will do over the summer when med school is not ruling my life.

Also, what good will synthetic oil do (digital synthesis suggested redline mtl)? That mechanic warned me not to put it in. However, he said there was some chemical that started with an "L" (i forgot what it was) that will make the buzzing sound less severe.


I really really appreciate all of your help with this. I know there is a life beyond cars, right?

-Chris

 

If the car has to be moving to hear of feel a buzz, I'd look further back.
Maybe at the front U-joint.
As a U-joint starts to fail, it first looses it's grease, then the needle bearings start to wear and make slack & excess clearance.
The extra wear sometimes allows the shaft to wobble off center giving vibration.

 

Well then, I'm no longer interested in helping...

Seriously. I love Marla.

 

if the car shifts fine without slipping during acceleration, doesn't make noise at idle and is easy to get into gear then maybe the tranny isn't your problem. can you be more specific about the noise? is it a buzz or a vibration? could it be motor mounts/tranny mounts that are worn? is it only at a certain RPM?

 

it's like a buzzing/whining sound.. i can't describe it in any more detail.

you know, jon88se, that mechanic actually replaced one of my engine mounts last november and told me that my transmission mount was also busted, which he said is not really a major problem. so yeah.. you're right.. the transmission mount is damaged.

 

Dude, for future refference, when a guy is helping you, it is a good idea not to insult any woman he decides to affiliate with :-p

 

Hey, I just think she has no attractive qualities. There's no hard feelings toward Marla or Aaron.

 

I checked out the Mazda troubleshooting thing and...

this makes more sense

"Metallic "Rumbling" or grinding that increases in frequency / noise level the faster you go. Probable rear wheel bearing if noise seems to come from back of car. Possible front wheel bearing(s) if noise is from the front."


than this

"Bearing or gear noise in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th but gone or very less in 4th. Bearings are worn out. Rebuild or replace transmission. "

so basically im lost

 

how about this: locate but do not purchase a local junkyard transmission.
(I just traded a good N/A 5spd for an FC back seat...)

hit up sears/walmart/whatever for a socket set and learn how to use it ($20-$100, depending on what you get)

buy a jack + stands (or just use blocks, but USE SOMETHING!!!)... $50 or less

if/when your transmission dies, you'll have the ability to change it quickly and easily (first time I did it it took about 12 hours)....

 

A few points.

#1. I could be wrong but I always thought the girl in Aaron's avatar was actually Milla Jovovich in the Million Dollar Hotel?

#2. I will only say that your mechanic has no clue what he's talking about when he says don't run synthetic oil in your tranny. That is the first thing you should do to at least help it out, whether it needs a rebuild or no. And always run synthetic henceforth. I highly recommend Red Line Fluid's MTL or MT-90 fluids. I forget which goes in the RX-7's but I think MTL is generally what's recommended.

#3. Check your trans. mounts. They are relatively (to the cost of a rebuilt transmission) cheap and easy to replace. In fact, since everybody is saying drop your transmission anyway, replace the mounts while you are at it. It will be worth it.