here is my problem. my car grinds extensively when trying to shift into 5th gear. also i cant get into reverse. after searching ive found that my problem might be the 5th gear synchro. after some reading im seeing that it doesnt seem to be that hard of a process to remove the transmission and replace the synchro. could this be the only problem? 1st through 4th gear work perfectly. how mechanically sound do you have to be to do this? i would have a friend help me who has replaced a transmisison and clutch on a honda before or possibly another 7 owner in the area. also would it be easier to try to find a used transmission? pricewise replacing it myself seems to be the cheapest route b/c i would only have to buy parts from somewhere like malloys mazda.

edit: ive seen mahjiks write up http://mahjik.homestead.com/files/ho...o/synchro.html also

 

I've heard you need special tools.. I've not tried to replace it my self.. Sometimes its less head ache to just get a use tranny with good synchros.. I've seen and sold one for 500-750..

PHIL

 

If you can get the tranny out safely, you can change the synchro.

The trick is that you might need to replace more than 5th synchro. Ideally, you'll only need a new 5th synchro ($20), 5/R clutch sleeve ($45) and keys ($15?). Because you can't hit reverse, it could be as simple as 5th synchro pieces jamming the works, or broken hard parts (clutch hub assy, 5th gear, rev gear = $$). It would cost $500+ to have replacements for all of the 5th and Rev parts.

If you have time to work on it, I'd drop the tranny, take it apart, and see what looks damaged. Then you can decide whether to fix it, take it to a shop to fix it, or buy a rebuilt tranny and put that in instead. Either way, you'll need luck on your side to have the right parts on hand be the only ones you need.

If you need to change the clutch hub, rev synchro, or rev gear, you'll need to remove the 41mm mainshaft locknut. That requires the mega-deep socket. (I made one I can rent to you, or buy the SST from Kowa Seiki)

My full photo-laden writeup is done and should be uploaded in a day or two. That should give you a good idea.

Dave

 

actually you can cut the drive side of the socket off an then use a big pipe wrench to turn the 41 mm nut. you might also need a long bearing puller.

 

If you're replacing the clutch hub assembly, it makes the cutting job much easier.

[edit]

I see what you're saying. That should be fairly cheap, if you have access to a 3" pipe wrench.

You could also weld a bar to the side of the socket easily too. Anyone with a saw capable of cutting an impact socket would be able to weld a bar on too.

Dave

 

thanx guys for the info. now i just need to contact a friend or someone with jackstands and some experience.
it sucks this is my dd, i guess for now ill just park somewhere i dont need to to reverse out of

 

Buy a rebuilt and swap them. Worry about fixing the old one later.

Dave

 

if this is your daily driver do not attempt to rebuild the tranny yourself it is not a weekend job. plan on a month with ordering parts and stuff. the tranny has more parts than the engine. i would say it is harder to rebuild a tranny than a rotary engine and i have done both. i have ordered parts from alabama the synchros and bearings can come in sets and it is cheaper that way. new synchros are awesome the tranny shifts sooo smooth. but if i were you i would do a swap and rebuild the old one slowly.

 

yeah, im leaning towards the swap and i have a possible replacement one lined up. how hard of a job is it to drop the transmission and bolt up the other one? someone told me it requires you to mess with the clutch assembly, thats not right is it? the transmisison is separate right and is bolted on right?

 

Where is your source for parts?

PM if necessary.

Dave

 

i have the info at my parents house. i will check later in the week for you.

the clutch is the pull style in other words the throw out bearing is connected to the pressure plate fingers by a ring. there are two access doors that you remove and you stick a screw driver thru one door to release the ring. after that you can pull the tranny away from the engine. you should get a picture out of the factory service manual about the ring.

dgeesaman--- about cutting the end off the socket, thanks, lack of money and neccesity is the mother of invention.

 

thanx rule all help is appreciated

 

I'm looking foward to that! My 5th gear syncro is screwed up too. So that write-up is going to be useful.

Jeremy