Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission gurus - I need input

[John Berger]

transmission gurus - I need your input

I will be as brief as possible. I need to know what problems the following symptoms could be pointing to:



Every once in awhile, I notice a sort of sticking/popping feeling when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, like something is binding. I experienced a hard shifting problem after the SBC clutch was installed. I would say 99% of the shifting problem has pretty much gone away. I just started seeing fluid at the slot in the transmission, but I'm not sure whether it is oil or gear lube. I can't tell by smell, either. And the clutch is not slipping. Any input would be helpful.



Based upon my searches: I suspect the binding could be synchros or the pilot bearing. As for the leak I suspect either the rear main or the transmission input shaft seal. Those two are the only possible sources in this particular instance for leaking lube oil, correct?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

John, I wouldn't think the pilot bearing would be selective as to the gears - it would "pop" in others as well... I hope it's nothing serious.

 

[John Berger]

I'm only at 88K miles and still under warranty so it's not that big of a deal, if it is serious. It doesn't do it that often and it was far worse right after the clutch was installed. It's almost non-existant at this point. It feels like it doesn't want to come out of gear in first or second if I let out the clutch and creep forward after a stop. It's kind of irritating because I've never had this happen with a manual transmission prior to this one.

 

[Mundgyver]

Something you might want to look at closely would be the clutch engagement / disengagement. I put this forth based on prior experience. If it is slightly engaged when the pedal is depressed (you might not feel a thing) it could be putting a small amount of pressure loading on the gear train. I had this happen in a 4 speed one time. I thought the syncro's were going but when I got into it, turned out to be the clutch not fully disengaging. My system had a hydraulic clutch vice the mechanical, so I did not feel any pulsation or drag. It was very light.



Food for thought.