my girlfriend has a 99 civic with 85,xxx miles on it and she has a 3rd gear grind. it happens most of the time, even under normal driving. it happens almost everytime you downshift and most of the time when you up shift to 3rd. any ideas on what this could be? i was thinking the syncro was going out, but thought i should ask first. any input would be thankful.

Adam

 

Sounds like the synchro unless your shift linkage is somehow messed up or you got a whack short shifter. Try using that GM synchromesh in your tranny and see if that helps out.

 

up, any other suggestions?

Adam

 

Sounds like it's time for a new synchro... Its a very common problem on Hondas...

 

yeah possibly syncrho but i've heard mr bone suggest rear engine mount and shift linkage as well, worth checking before you start overhauling your gearbox, also like people say try changing the tranny fluid, 10w40 worked fine for me (i got the stuff honda use in the uk ,shell helix plus) my 3rd gear grind has gone..people seem to rave about gm syncrho on here but i've never tried it so can't comment, honda mtf is also suposed to be good but we can't get it over here so i can't comment on that either...

 

also make sure your tranny is totally full. my drain plug came loose and was leaking a few drips a day. well over a mounts time it was low and my 4th started to grind. might help ya.

 

yeah, i'm starting to wonder if thats why mine used to grind, 5th used to be a problem randomly at any rpm but since i changed the fluid its totally disappeared, i'm wondering if it was slightly low and that caused it. I don't know how it all fits internally so i don't know for sure..