Wee Bit of a Grind

[Sanoj]

Greetings!
Im totally new to this forum and to Mazda as well. I bought a pretty sharp Protege5 last week and i love it! I do have just one problem/concern.
When shifting into 3rd gear often times (despite being careful) I hear/feel a slight grind or a click.
Has anyone ever dealt with this before? Have an idea what might be causing it?
Its not bad yet but its kinda annoying and Im trying to keep this car in great condition.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Sanoj

 

[Sveivo]

It's a pretty common problem. Some have it, some don't. Depends on how the car was driven.

I would change out your trans. fluid for a better fluid. There are a lot of discussions on this forum. Try searching.

Also, there are a lot of discussions about 3rd gear, or 2nd gear for that matter.

Here's a thread I found right off the bat:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123666486&highlight=3rd+gear+grind

I would recommend to search around to get some more background.

Oh, and congrats on the car!

 

[gottacatchup]

Lemme guess its an '02?

Yea its a common problem

 

[thrasher]

Just wait till you start missing shifts because of it, that click is the beginning, it only gets worse.

Oh ya, it's about $2500 to get fixed...

 

[Illusion]

Seriously? 2500? Because I had that for a little bit but I havent heard it since, and Yes it is an 02.

 

[ho bag]

Gm syncromesh is your friend, trust me.

 

[shane02pro5]

Beat me to it! Or Pennzoil Synchromesh (same thing)

I just bought somemore today!

Gm syncromesh is your friend, trust me.

 

[ho bag]

Beat me to it! Or Pennzoil Synchromesh (same thing)

I just bought somemore today!

Replaced my stock fluid with GM's wonder fluid when i did my 5th gear swap, works amazing.

 

[Butlerg]

I have the exact same problem in 2nd to 3rd. Nice big clunking grind. I changed my transmission fluid about 12,000-15,000 miles ago. If I put in GM or Penzoil Synchromesh transmission fluid in now, would it make a difference?

 

[Sveivo]

I have the exact same problem in 2nd to 3rd. Nice big clunking grind. I changed my transmission fluid about 12,000-15,000 miles ago. If I put in GM or Penzoil Synchromesh transmission fluid in now, would it make a difference?

I don't run that particular fluid, but yes it will. Stock fluid should not be in that transmission.

I used to grind 2nd on every shift. Yes, that's right.

Switched to BG Synchroshift II and 70K miles later it shifts fine.

 

[Sveivo]

Also, motor mounts help a lot. I just got mine done. Should have done them sooner!

 

[ho bag]

It wont repair damage already caused but it will prevent more damage and help smooth things out a bit.

Front motor mount will also help.

 

[Butlerg]

I saw my right side mount is torn. Is it pretty much a diy for the side and front motor mounts? Would shops charge crazy amounts to do that? And is the tranny fluid change something I could do myself?

 

[5PADZAM]

Front is very easy. Took me 15 minutes. I haven't done the sides, but they should be pretty easy also. Rear mount is the tough one. I hope I never have to change it.

Fluid change pretty simple also. The only part that sucks is refilling with new fluid, but it's not too tough.

 

[ho bag]

Fluid change pretty simple also. The only part that sucks is refilling with new fluid, but it's not too tough.

Nothing a peice of hose and a funnel cant take care of.

 

[Sveivo]

I saw my right side mount is torn. Is it pretty much a diy for the side and front motor mounts? Would shops charge crazy amounts to do that? And is the tranny fluid change something I could do myself?

I did front and rear for $100 (i.e. $50 each) at a dealership (motor mounts).

 

[5PADZAM]

Dealer installed the rear mount for $50? Damn, that's hard to believe. Or is that what you paid for parts?

 

[Sveivo]

Dealer installed the rear mount for $50? Damn, that's hard to believe. Or is that what you paid for parts?

That is labor. I brought parts.

Think TWICE about installing a stiff mount (esp. the rear). While shifting may improve, daily driveability will suffer hardcore. I promise you that.

 

[Sveivo]

Book time on that mount is like $50... (rear)

 

[P5inder]

Hey,

My second and third gear changes are crap! I've babied this car since I got it last year and the shifts to and from second and third gear are getting progressively worst. I'm thinking that instead of fixing the transmission, I'll buy a used 2003 manual transmission or maybe, if it fits, even an MP3 or MSP transmission.

Its really (pissed) me off...the knowledge that

1) Mazda is (upbum) me


2) And that I have to spend money on improving things that I shouldn't have to improve in the first place...like the clutch/flywheel, the oil pan, the mounts and now the transmission instead of spending money in making the car handle better and being faster... like strengthening the engine, turbo-ing, etc...