Hey guys, I just picked up a 95 ek hatch tonight and I was wondering what could be causing my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear to grind. I was thinking maybe it could be low on trans fluid maybe? or need to be replaced. so far from what I can hear 4th and 5th don't grind, so I'm kinda lost and also new to this type of stuff. Can anyone help me out with this? If so id greatly appreciate it!

 

Sounds like you have a damaged transmission. Low fluid is not the problem if 4th and 5th gear work fine.

 

So its probably gonna have to be rebuilt? or just get a new one?

 

It will likely be cheaper (should be under $100) to buy a used transmission locally, but you won't know what you're going to get unless you open it up and look before you buy, or until you bolt it up and try it out.

 

DaX, that is why it will be $100. You roll the dice.
Buying a used transmission will likely be cheaper than repairing what you have... but it is a gamble. Fixing what you have costs more... but then you KNOW what you have and a reasonable expectation as to how long it will likely last before you have more trouble.

OP, when you say "new one", I assume you mean "new to you" and NOT actually a BRAND NEW transmission from Honda ? A "New One" is nearly $3000.00 from the dealership.

 

no I meant like buy a trans off Facebook. I was thinking about getting a Z6 trans. what do you think?

 

Affordable... but risky. Remember that these transmissions are at least 24 years old.

 

Oh I totally agree it's a risky roll of the dice. I'm just telling the OP that he *can* roll those dice for $50-$100 a pop if he wants. I only buy used Honda transmissions with the intent of at the bare minimum opening them and inspecting them, and likely a full rebuild. OP, if you think you can handle a rebuild and have access to the right tools, a bearing and seal only rebuild is about $200 in parts. A master kit which will also replace synchro rings and sliders is about $350.

 

DaX, isn't it amazing that the same rebuild kit for a "B" series hydro transmission is $650 instead of $350 ? Same basic parts... likely more popular... and $300 more. Sheeesh. How come the "Single Jingle" guys get all of the good deals ?

 

I was driving it today and I could hear I very light/quiet noise coming from the trans but when I push in the clutch it goes away. ik it could be the throw out bearing, but also found that my 1st gear ig the noise I'm hearing is grinding but doesn't slip, 2 grinds when I gas it, and 3rd barely grinds. could this be the synchros???

 

Because us D-series guys are broke and they know it, lol.

If the noise goes away when pressing the clutch in, I think it is likely your input shaft bearing (ISB) inside the transmission and not your throwout bearing. "Grinding" will only be felt during a gear change and not once in (or out of) a gear. Grinding means damaged/worn synchro rings, collars, or synchro teeth on the gear face. If what you're hearing is a "roar", that would again point to a bad ISB or one of the other bearings in the transmission. It's time for that seal/bearing rebuild, my friend. If you do end up rebuilding it, look closely at the synchros, collars, and gears and if they are worn (no longer pointy on the top of the teeth), now would be a good time to just step up and get the master rebuild kit.