I've posted about my trans chattering like a bitch before. Word on the street is worn pivot fork, ball, and tob. That stuff will get changed soon. However, because the solid mounts do not dampen like the stock mounts do, the sounds were amplified. What I once thought was my turbo, I discovered it was actually my trans. So the issues..
1. When accelerating and decelerating, there is a winding sound relative to RPMs. It's kind of like a toy car sound either winding up or down. Higher speeds drown out the sound I assume because it can't be heard above 50mph.
2. Around 55-60mph the trans starts to whine. It's high pitched. It's annoying. Wasn't there before the solid trans mount. Only around that speed it whines.
3. At slower speeds, say in a parking lot or something of the sort, when decelerating in 2nd, there is gear clash. With the oem mount it was bearable and didn't sound too bad. Now. Holy crap. It sounds as if it's bare metal on metal grinding. What causes this? I just changed the fluid with M1 High Mileage 10w40.
You are correct that solid mounts are going to amplify the sounds made from the trans.
Can you post a video of these noises?
I know my trans can sometimes be loud (like in first or second) and on the highway I can hear a little whine. This was even after my trans was rebuilt. But Its been doing that since I installed mounts almost 3 years ago.
Alright, I tried recording a video, but the overall sound of the engine and exhaust drown out the gear clash. I can hear it best with the windows closed, so I tried that method as well and still no dice. The best I can describe is two bare metal gears clashing together without lube and grinding against each other other while they rotate. My last srt didn't have this sound whatsoever even with solid mounts. I'm kind of basing that it's not normal off of that. I'm just trying to think of things that could be wrong with the gear set that would cause such a hideous clashing sound. The first thought was lubricant, but that was one of the first things I did. I've been looking at drop-in gear sets from p-werks and I'm ready to just pull the trigger on one. This is sort of a last resort thing in hopes that someone has an idea or easier/cheaper fix before hand. Thanks!
I'm having a hard time believing this is normal. I understand we have noisy transmissions, however, when referring to my previous srt 4 with pretty much the same simple mods, it was quiet compared to this one. I'm very observant when it comes to my car. I most definitely would've noticed if it was as harsh sounding with my previous srt. Also, sometimes 1st and rev are a b*tch to get into some mornings. 2nd can be a hassle sometimes but not as often. I understand the pivot fork is most likely the culprit.
Did you change the fork? I have the DCR modified fork and I can tell you that mine makes the same noises. I am extremely observant also.
You said it's hard to get into gear in the mornings. Is the car cold, or up to operating temperature? What fluid are you using? Have you adjusted your cable crossover?
Per my own personal research, I have found that my car loves Redline C+ ATF, runner up to that is Amsoil ATF.
You need to provide more information, otherwise we are pissing in the wind.
The fork is stock and old. However, I will be changing out the pivot fork, ball and tob soon.
The only times it's really tough getting into 1st and reverse gear is when the car is cold in the mornings. However, a few times during the day I'll have to shove it into gear.
I adjusted the crossover and clutch pivot arm the very first day I bought the car.
I changed the fluid per Ed Peters recommendation w/ Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40.
If this gear clash, whining and up/down winding sounded anywhere near remotely normal, I wouldn't be wasting anyone's time with this thread. It's excessive. I've experienced normal with my last srt (RIP) and this isn't normal. I know close to nil about trannys, though.
Update. The clash and grinding is only when in gear. The up/down winding is both in gear and not. The whining is in gear only.
Okay so odds are the fork and pivot ball are shot, and that's your shifting issue. The reason 1st and Reverse are the worst is the fact that they have the largest ratio(s). I wouldn't shove it into gear, I mean it's your car and I know you probably need to drive it, but try double clutching, that should help line things up.
I didn't like the M1HM in my trans, it just didn't feel as smooth, but you're in an okay climate to be running it this time of year, so it's personal preference.
As for the whine, I wish I knew what to tell you. Ever since I did all 3 mounts about a year ago, my shit whines like it's all straight-cut gears. Okay, not that bad, but you get the idea. Cruising, acceleration, deceleration, etc. Just wait until you get a modified clutch fork, you'll have to listen to your TOB bouncing back and forth. An aftermarket clutch will make it worse, too.
The springs on the clutch disc help to reduce NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) inside the transmission, as well as shock-load to the trans. Aftermarket clutches have smaller springs --> Even more noise.
I guess the best advice is that not every car is the same. Just because it didn't happen on your last SRT means nothing, really.
As long as I know my trans isn't going to blow up, I can deal with the noises no matter how annoying they can be. I was only comparing to not only my previous car but of few of my buddies cars as well. I'll still be dropping the tranny soon to do the clutch, fork, ball and tob. I'll probably pull my gear set sometime soon as well just for good measure. I appreciate all the input and quick repsonses! Thanks!
I'll definitely be picking up a fork from you as well when the time comes.
Dammit! Another update. 1st and 2nd are tough to get into. It could be fine one second and the next, bam, time to double clutch it or force it in. Sometimes double clutching just doesn't do it.
I really wish I knew more about transmissions. Could it be a bent shift fork? Sychros? Something else I don't know? haha. Could a worn pivot fork be the cause of all these issues? 3rd gear can be a little funky sometimes also.
BTW, this all happens when the car is cold as well when up to operating temp. When it is tough to get into gear, and when it finally finds itself in, I could feel it through the shifter. It doesn't audibly grind all the time, but it does sometimes. All other times it just feels grainy, I guess, for lack of better words.
The reason the M1HM oil didn't help was that your trans is too far gone for it to make a difference.
Gear engagement issues could be worn synchros (90k+ miles and ATF w/friction modifier is the biggest culprit), clutch, or clutch fork. Noises you are hearing could be from worn bearings. Worn bearings will cause shaft alignment issues, which causes the gear mesh to be off. Now, they are wearing "unnaturally", which can cause lots of unpleasant noise, including the gear clash you hear.
My advice would be to pull your trans, and send it to Ed Peters. He can do a complete rebuild, as well as advise you on what the best replacement parts to use. He also checks the case for damage, and can repair worn clutch forks. He uses all the proper tools (Miller), and has direct access to OEM parts from the transmission manufacturer.
Thanks for the info! It did cross my mind to get an Ed Peters rebuild done, but I don't think I can afford the downtime. You seem knowledgable in this area. What could be my next best bet? Get a clutch kit and pwerks gearset?