Rebuild Transmission or Get a new one???
 

Over the last few weeks, my transmission seems to be getting noisier especially in 1st and 2nd gear. All gears are somewhat hard to select unless I'm really "on it." The noise is a whirring sound which I believe is a bearing at the beginning of the transmission. I plan to keep this car for a very long time so I want to do what's best for the car not necessarily what's most cost effective. I haven't gotten a quote to have the transmission rebuilt, but I'm afraid that I'll have it done and it still won't be "right."

How much does it usually cost to rebuild a transmission?
The gears aren't grinding, but that may be because I'm very careful and deliberate about shifting.

Are new transmissions available?
I imagine they are, and I would assume they are ridiculously expensive.

Basically, I don't want to have the transmission rebuilt, pay a whole lot of money, and then not be happy with the final result.

What have you done? and What would you do?

could just be your throw out bearing.

search for a thread from Zerobanger - he bought a new tranny from Malloy for a little over $2k.

as for cost to rebuild - that depends on whats broken. search for zerobangers thread as that will give you some insight into this.

My mechanic rebuilt his . most of the bearings and syn rings and gaskets and seals came in a kit from American Drive Train. Any bearing races not in the kit came from the dealer . Total cost was $ 500 . The time involved was longer than normal because he did more work to change some of the clearances so it would shift better .So I have no idea on the time to do one . I do know he will put in a 5th gear syn ring for about $70 with a complete cleaning . His unit is quiet and shifts well with a Cs short shifter and a Hurst T handle .Ask extacy 7 about that .

Zerobanger got the last new OEM tranny. mazda discontinued new tranny's last month and no more are left. They now sell reman tranny's which are only about $200 less than what they used to charge for a new one off the assembly line.

Gee, I am going to take a shot in the dark here and say it was GARFINKLE!!! lol, j/k. $70 is damn cheap...wish I was closer to TN.

how many miles are on ur original transmission, pianoprodigy ?

130,000 - 5th Gear Synchro was replaced a few months ago, but the transmission was shifting better back then.

your input shaft bearing needs replacement...

rebuild or buy good condition used is usually a jump ball.

if you go thru the trans it is generally around $500 or so. you can generally buy a good used off the parts section of the forum for the same price. it sounds like other than your input shaft bearing your trans is in good shape.

while it is out change the pilot bearing and your draggy shifting will disappear. spend time finding the right guy to work on your trans and if you buy used make sure it is in good shape.

do yourself a favor and fill it up w mobil one synthetic gear lube.

howard coleman

Do what I did, get a used J-spec tranny. Comes with a better 5th gear ratio. There are some importers on Ebay I always run into. Check with them, I found a tranny with 25-30k miles for $350+shipping. Shifts real nice, has no synchro damage.

I thought about doing this too. Can you post (or PM me) the contact info?

thanks

Are J-spec trannies the same with being Right Hand Drive? Doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Howard, yes I was told it was the input shaft bearing, but I was curious to see if anyone on here would come up with the same diagnosis from the description.

Same tranny...I was wondering too when I bought it.

By the way, 5th gear at 4000rpm im around 90mph...not good for freeway driving, but good for performance:)

How much did you pay?

Are there any other noticeable differences or problems?

speaking of 5th gears.......

there are at least 3. the stupid stock ratio which is a huge drop from 4th. and isn't fun on the road. the Bathurst 99 gear which is sort of o k... and the gear that i run which is perfect... from a b2600 pickup. an 18% drop from 4th. lots of fun at Elkhart Lake or Brainerd and on the highway...

BTW, another thought for you.... if i found a goog trans rebuilder i would rather have him rebuild my trans w new bearings etc than buy used.

howard coleman

Is it important for the rebuilder to know Mazda transmissions or could just an experienced transmission builder do the work?

A good tranny builder should be able to do it , just lend them your factory book . There is nothing special or suprising in the unit .