I have an 88 n/a manual. Every so often when I shift to reverse I have trouble putting It In to that gear. No matter how hard I try I can't do It. So I release the clutch than make a second attempt which usually will allow me to get It Into reverse. I have replaced the clutch master cylinder not to long ago. I am also running Redline In the Tranny and Differential (LSD). What could be causing this? Transmission? Thanks for your input!

 

sounds like your synchros are shot. Time for a rebuild or another tranny

 

But I only get It In that gear. But when It Is In reverse, I have no problem moving. Just putting It In that gear. If the syncros were shot wouldn't I not be able to actuaaly move In reverse?

 

Nope. I am guessing you sometimes have problems shifting into 5th as well (or you get some grinding). If this is so, then its a dead giveaway for a shot 5th/R synchro...

 

Lately I have been having trouble, every know or then, putting It In 5th aswell. Why are these 2 syncro's a combination of some sort, besides being In the Transmission? Also, I should have mentioned that I get gringing In reverse aswell. But only when I'm moving (obviously slow). I have to be at a complete standstill In order to reverse with out grinding.

 

http://www.howstuffworks.com/transmission4.htm

Try this for an explanation. John

 

I'v always had this problem once in a while no matter what car i own (Accura, RX-7, Celica) and it was explained to me that reverse is the closest gear and sometimes doesn't mesh well. Slipping the clutch out and then trying again usually serves to get the teeth meshed right. I wouldn't say it's a big problem, at least not for me. Once you learn what it feels like before you grind (when it's not in) you can prevent doing serious damage.
Rain

 

I've already learned to deal with avoiding the grinding. But It may be a case where the tranny actually may need to be replaced. I don't know.

 

i have trouble getting it into first or reverse somtimes... ithink the clutch master cylinder or some other hydraulic component of the transmission isn't up to par anymore...

if i give it gas with clutch pedal all the way it.. .it will slip into gear.

note: this doesnt happen everytime though i try to use 1st or reverse

 

push the clutch in first! lol

 

From the time I've owned my '89TII (since new) every once in a while I can't get it into reverse after starting car. I usually put it in a forward gear, release clutch slightly, then I'll be able to put it in reverse. It's probably just the way the shifting forks/gears have been misaligned.
This has happened sice new, even after Mazda rebuilt @ 90,000 miles.
As far as grinding, I've experienced none as long as car is stopped. No syncro on reverse, so vehicle should be stopped before engaging reverse.

 

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