I searched and couldnt find anything relevent, but is there a way to change the fluid that the shifter sits in? also, how high do i fill it to?

 

What car/transmission? More info needed. If 2nd gen manual....

That would be the same gear lube used in the transmission (75W-90 or 80W-90). The extension housing (where the shifter is) is only connected via a tiny passage (along the shifter control arm) to the inside of the case.

Is there a reason you want to top it off? You really only need to had a little bit in there, and most shifter issues are related to the bushings, which are replaceable.

 

As long as the fluid in the manual transmission is filled to the requuired level it will flow into the shifter section.

 

Yea, S5 manual NA. If the fluid drains and fills with when i change the tranny fluid, then i shouldnt worry. Its just REALLY dirty and wasnt sure about a fill level and where it should be.

 

In the FD the shifter reservoir is isolated from the rest of the transmission. I lay out a crap-load of rags etc and then CAREFULLY empty it with a syphon bulb and small container of some sort. Then GREASE on the ball-pivot and lower bushing of the shifter. Re-fill it slowly and only to within a couple of inches otherwise it'll overflow when you re-insert the shifter.

 

Also on a semi-related note. I found some miata short shifters on ebay for cheap and wondering what people think about them. I'll try and find the one ive been looking at but its the cheapest one on there when you search "1990 miata short shifter".

 

NO.its a separate area..on s4 and s5 anyways.
once you fill the transmission with its fluid ,you fill the upper area just enough to lubricate shifter ball in the tail section where the shifter is located...
IF you try to "put Fluid in the lazy way" ,That is fill the shifter hole expecting it to "flow downhill"and into the trans, it WILL NOT!!..trust me!

 

anyone know how to stop the squeak noise in the rear of the 3rd gen rx7

 

take the ferrett out of your gas tank?..( quit jacking this thread and start a thread of your own!)

 

Funny, I have this problem too. Now I dont feel that bad lol

 

Is it a good idea to just change it anyway?

 

It sees little stress compared to the guts of the transmission. If the level is good, your probably fine.
As I mentioned earlier, IMO what would do more good to smooth out shifter movement is to pull the shifter and GREASE the ball pivot and lower bushing before submerging it in the gear oil bath. The FD FSM specifies this, and the FC FSM probably does too. But seems like it's often over-looked.

 

Alright, thanks. I'm just very **** about these sort of things with my cars.

 

Nothing wrong with a little **** on these cars. As long you still keep the fun in it too. No better reading for the ****-types than the Factory Service Manual.

Off-topic, but noticed your home town. You ever been on the CRUISE TO THE WOODS?

 

No, I wish I could though. Buddy of mine
Has gone a few times and said it was a blast. Can't remember where it's at though.

 

Originates from all over Iowa and southern Minnesota and ends up in Ft. Dodge. Last year about 1500 cars. It was alot of fun. I was the only rotary-powered car I saw last year so I'll look for you this fall.

 

Hmm, I might go if my friend does this year.