Mrmerlin

first drain the oil look for metal

Vidyashankara

thanks it looks like we can’t diagnose it till we pull the trans out. Luckily the seller owns a shop and will likely help diagnose and fix the big issues at a nominal cost.

Vidyashankara

yep! If the seller is a mechanic and may help in fixing the car. If he doesn’t come thru, I will try to handle this. I will get some help in dropping both the TT and trans and send it out like you suggested.

regarding the steering rack, do you think rebuilding the rack using the kit from 928srus works? It’s only $125 for the seals to replace for both the rack and the pump. Is this a fun thing I can tackle or do you advice getting a rebuilt rack and pump?

Mrmerlin

I would suggest the most expedient way to fix the steering is to install the parts I listed,
trying to rebuild a worn rack is asking for a chance to do it all over again.

Vidyashankara

thanks a lot. I will follow this! Cheers!

RammerJammer13

5 speeds can develop a sudden clicking noise. This can be caused by a chipped reverse tooth or the lockout spring for reverse breaking and running through the gears.

Vidyashankara

Thanks. I just observed yesterday that it was impossible to go to first gear while downshifting from second gear. I can feel the gears grinding if i try to force into first. The only way to get into first is if i go to a complete stop.

Vidyashankara

I got the car on a lift and saw this. the sound is definitely coming either from trans or at the junction of the TT and trans.

here are some videos,



My mechanic is going to drop it in the next day or two. We will learn more.

Kevin in Atlanta

Loose rivets on the rear flexplate?
Oops, it's a five speed.

Vidyashankara

Fifth gear?


Reverse gear?

Andrew Schauer

Ouch, that's a lot of material missing from the gear teeth. Certainly explains your clicking noises.

I'm wrapping up my own rebuild project on a G28/05 transmission, so I think can offer some good input. Nearly all of the cost is parts, labor costs for an experienced shop to do the work will be way less than the parts. Stan mentioned $6k above, I have nearly that in parts alone: all the bearings, gasket kit, two new dog teeth, two good condition used gear sets, plus shims and all the little pieces you need.

It's a hard pill to swallow, but I'd either gamble on a used transmission for $2k or less, or send yours to Precision Motorwerks and have an expert fix it 100%. Odds are any used transmission will need work as well, but it would let you drive the car and decide if it's a keeper or not.

Good luck!

Vidyashankara

Here is a video.


yep, hard pill to swallow 😢

I decided to rebuild the torque tube with super bearing while I am at it. Constantine was nice enough to ship me a spare one in exchange for my core a right before he goes into surgery next week.

I have to make a decision on the trans. Any idea if the other parts and gear look ok in this?

I have a used 1986 manual trans very close to me. This is the updated design on the synchros. I was told these are interchangeable without changing the drive shaft. Any thoughts on this?

Andrew Schauer

If that 86 transmission is reasonably priced, I'd give that a shot. From what I understand it will fit without modification. Final drive ratio is likely different, but that's not a show stopper.

It's hard to tell the condition of internals other than gear teeth without disassembly. The expensive pieces are all hidden from view when in place.

Vidyashankara

thanks! Greg B just emailed me also saying the 86 is probably a better option and the visible damage on this one looks very expensive to fix.

19psi

That's a serious amount of damage to turn up instantly. Did you flatbed it back yourself or pay someone?

I'm picturing someone revving up the engine and jamming it into 1st over and over, while not acknowledging the existence of the clutch pedal. Unfortunately you'd never be able to prove the carrier did the damage.

It's unbelievable how many people in the car industry can't drive a stick. I had to drive one of my cars onto an alignment rack at NTB because the moron kid started smoking the clutch. Same car has been exempted a few times from the emissions dyno test because not one employee at the site knew how to drive a stick. To save face, they write it up as custom low profile wheels (it's a Geo with stock wheels).