Missing 3rd gear

[T-Netix]

im missing third gear and i was wondering can just the gear be replaced or does the whole transmission have to the rest of the gears work fine 3rd just grinds

[deevergote]

Your syncronizers are shot. You'll need to either replace the transmission, or rebuild it. If the gears themselves have been damaged, they may need to be replaced in a rebuild as well.

You could try changing the fluid... use GM Synchromesh Friction Modified fluid. It won't fix any damage that has already been done, but it may ease the grinding for a bit. It'll buy you some time, at least. Don't do a flush... just drain and refill. It'll take just under 2 quarts.

[T-Netix]

thanks man so far ive been skipping the gear completely but how much do you think it would run me

[deevergote]

I have no idea. It won't be cheap.

[T-Netix]

alright thanks man

[Meangreen]

Find a new used one is cheaper.

[bcjammerx]

automatics are far more easy to rebuild

manuals you must have a good quality standing press first. None of that harbor freight shit, I've seen 2-3 of them split the plates used to hold the part you are applying tons of pressure too...ever seen a metal plate with a 1.5-2 ton jack pressing it shatter? Not cool...avoid harbor freight presses

Manuals have fewer parts but EVERYHING is pressed on and that makes it a bitch.

rebuild kits (all I inclusive) are around $200...the press is expensive though

[C91BLX7]

Your syncronizers are shot. You'll need to either replace the transmission, or rebuild it. If the gears themselves have been damaged, they may need to be replaced in a rebuild as well.

You could try changing the fluid... use GM Synchromesh Friction Modified fluid. It won't fix any damage that has already been done, but it may ease the grinding for a bit. It'll buy you some time, at least. Don't do a flush... just drain and refill. It'll take just under 2 quarts.

Can't really flush a manual... But i'd say just go for a used unit, unless you can do the work your self, or atleast remove it your self.

[angel4b]

I have this same 3rd gear griding problem too! My mechanic just said to slow down a bit (stop accelerating) before shifting to 3rd, and this seems to eliminate the griding noise. How long to I have before I have to fix this for real?

[GeoffM]

I have this same 3rd gear griding problem too! My mechanic just said to slow down a bit (stop accelerating) before shifting to 3rd, and this seems to eliminate the griding noise. How long to I have before I have to fix this for real?

ASAP. That's like driving on blown wheel bearings. It's pretty much like playing the lotto

[C91BLX7]

ASAP. That's like driving on blown wheel bearings. It's pretty much like playing the lotto

Uh no its not. Worst thing that can happen is 3rd gear syncro cracks and doesn't let you shift into it. However 1,2,4,5,R still going to work fine.

[angel4b]

Thanks for the advice. 3rd gear has been grinding since before i bought this car from my boyfriend. Its a good thing i try to avoid driving in the winter! I'll see about starting that project in the spring/summer when its actually possible to fix your car outside in cheeseland.

[C91BLX7]

Thanks for the advice. 3rd gear has been grinding since before i bought this car from my boyfriend. Its a good thing i try to avoid driving in the winter! I'll see about starting that project in the spring/summer when its actually possible to fix your car outside in cheeseland.

Just double clutch it when you can( Clutch in, shift to neutral clutch out, then shift to 3rd), should prevent grinds and further wear.

[GeoffM]

Clutch in, shift to neutral clutch out, then shift to 3rd

No clutch to third? Just push it in?

[stretch JDM]

a overhaul kit will be 298. includes syncro's. you may find it cheaper .good luck.