Transmission Probs

98XJSport

Destiny is the rising sun
Location
Western Maine
I have a 2000 toyota celica as a DD. It's a 6 speed manual. Over the past 2 days Ive noticed that when I downshift from 5th to 4th it grinds. If I go fast, its barely noticable. If I try it slow its quite obvious. From looking around Im thinking syncro gears. Im assuming all trannys have something along those lines, does this make sense?

Second part of the question would be what are the syncros considered? I ask because I have a warranty on the vehicle. Transmission parts that are covered are gears, input and output shafts, bearings, overdrive housing, and transmission case, or damages caused by the failure of covered parts. Looking at over $1000 parts and labor if through a dealership, so I really want the otherwise useless warranty to pick this one up...

Thanks for any and all help, I trust the mechanical knowledge here on NAXJA than the celica site I lurk on, although I will probably have to ask there as well.
 
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Yep, It sounds like a syncro. I always get a kick out of what those warr. don't cover. I would be surprised if they cover syncros. Its a part that wears or would be more easily damaged then the actual gears. Hope for the best and plan for the worst.
 
Tell me about it, when they had me sign up for it it said it covered anything a new warranty would cover, except wear parts(clutch, flywheel, etc) but after you fill it all out they mail you the "official" paperwork... bastids

So far it looks to be $300-$400 for the syncros, $600-$800 install...
If I could figure out how to get the tranny out I would do it myself, if man can put it together, I can take it apart.
 
True, thats why I never said anything about putting it back together :D
 
Confirmed syncros bad from the celica site, not an uncommon thing there was actually a "technical service bulletin" on the 3rd and 4th gear syncros. Of course this means Toyota knows theres a problem, they fixed it in 2003, but won't call it a recall.

So Im SOL...
 
Are you sure you have the correct lube in the trans??? Syncro's work from friction...I have seen several trannies act up like that from having the wrong lube.
 
As it turns out, I had new lube put in the day before I noticed this problem. From researching it sounds like toyota recommended a relatively light lube, which they shouldn't have. Since it looks like warranty won't cover this, I'm looking into getting some Redline MT-90, the c60 tranny is supposed to love it. Worth a try I suppose.
 
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That sucks, my friend is looking into a celica just like yours, and he said its got the same issue but hes getting a good enough of a deal its worth the tranny issues. How do you like the car btw? Must be quite a difference from te XJ.
 
Huge difference, took me a long time to get used to an 8k redline. Its a great car for a DD though, fun when you want it to be, 30 mpg all day long, and its toyota, should last quite a while.
 
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