I am getting transmission work done over the winter. Just curious on what is wrong before we tear into it. First off, the shifter rattles a little during idle in the neutral position. I think it's just transmission harmonics. When I shift into first gear it sometimes clanks going in. If I try to shift into then next gear at to high of a rpm, the shift feels very clunky and I can "feel" it going into the next gear. Not just sliding into next gear smoothly. Lastly fifth gear always grinds going in if I don't hold the clutch in till it hits idle, then put it in. Any help!!

 

Without any information on year, mileage or maintenance on your Z, it's hard to even speculate on your tranny woes. From what you've posted, it sounds like the syncros are worn out. Are you having a tranny shop work on it, or is this a DIY attempt?

 

IT IS A 2003, 108,000 MILES. we will have a transmission shop do it

 

How about maintenance? When was the tranny lubricant last changed? Which lubricant was used? Any records to indicate if the tranny itself was ever changed out?

 

I do not have that information. I just bought the car and it test drove fine except fifth gear. So i just skipped fifth and went straight to sixth. I have 500 miles on the car.

 

Start with a fluid change, and many of us like the Redline. Also, it sounds like you may have an issue with the clutch hydraulics, with the clutch not releasing fully. Check for a leaking slave and/or master cylinder. The 5th gear thing is common, and went away with the newer transmissions, but the Redline may help. If you can't find the Redline, or don't wnt to wait to order it, use the OEM Nissan lubricant.

 

I agree with dcains- try a change to Redline MT85 first. Check for issues with the master and slave before you pull the tranny.

Also, this is another case where buying a used Z with no idea of what kind of maintenance was provided is a crap shoot.