Eclipse GSX Transmission probs

[jteef]

My brothers 92 eclipse gsx needs a transmission rebuild(grinds into 2nd, wont go into 3rd). The guy at the shop said a used tranny would probably be cheaper, but said he couldn't find one (dont know how hard he looked) He quoted $2k to rebuild the current tranny and suggested we might want to look around for a used one.

So where should I be looking for used transmissions?

Thanks

jt

 

[pay]

ebaymotors.com

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: jteef
My brothers 92 eclipse gsx needs a transmission rebuild(grinds into 2nd, wont go into 3rd). The guy at the shop said a used tranny would probably be cheaper, but said he couldn't find one (dont know how hard he looked) He quoted $2k to rebuild the current tranny and suggested we might want to look around for a used one.

So where should I be looking for used transmissions?

Thanks

jt

Why so much?? What is wrong inside?? Did he bust a gear or is it a bad bearing???

But go here
http://www.drivetrain.com

E-mail them and you can get all the parts needed to rebuild the trans for less than $200, and extra if you need gears.

 

[Thegonagle]

Is the hydraulic clutch release in good shape?

If it's been repaired recently, are you sure that all the air has been bled out properly?

Don't assume it's the transmission until the release mechanism has been ruled out.

EDIT: Be wary if it's a chain shop recommending a new transmission. They are under pressure from upper-middle management to sell high priced services.

An honest mechanic wouldn't miss a malfunctioning clutch, but a desperate shop manager under pressure from the "home-office" might. :disgust:

 

[jteef]

hmm. I was under the impression that it was a problem with the synchros.

It hasn't been repaired ever I dont think, nor is it at a chain store. The guy didn't seem very enthusiastic about rebuilding it so I dont think he's trying to sell something I dont need. I'll try to get some more specific answers out of him I guess.

jt

 

[notfred]

The clutch wouldn't only fail to work in 2nd and third. The clutch has no idea what gear the tranny is in.

 

Notfred is correct, go find one at your local junkyard.

 

[Mill]

2k is insane for a rebuild on a manual transmission.

 

2k is insane for a rebuild on a manual transmission.

What part of the country are you from ?

$450 to R&R tranny and another $1000 for a full rebuild.
Plus tax and shop supplies.
Adds up real quick.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: Roger
Notfred is correct, go find one at your local junkyard.

I say do it yourself in your garage. Rebuild the old one. You will save a ton of money, and I know for a fact you will baby that trans from now until doomsday because you will never want to do that again.

On the other hand, most tranny places will not touch a part way dissasembled trans.

2k is insane for a rebuild on a manual transmission.

Not really. I blew up my prelude trans, and AAmco wanted $1300 to install a used trans or $2500 to rebuild mine. I found one at a junkyard for $300 and installed it. Worked just fine till I broke a 1/2 shaft and tossed the car.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Roger

2k is insane for a rebuild on a manual transmission.

What part of the country are you from ?

he's from alabama.

 

[RayH]

First try the suggestions here: http://www.vfaq.net/mods/10faqA.html#transmission

A decent rebuilt DSM transmission can be had for around $1k.

Also there was a recall on all Mitsubishi AWD transfer cases from those years which covered a potentially serious safety issue. It should be fixed by the dealer for free if your brother hasn't had it done yet.

 

Cheaper down south ?

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Roger
Cheaper down south ?

Pretty much everything is. Plus less chain shops and more of people who run their own shops.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Roger
Cheaper down south ?

Yea it is hard for some, as there are a lot of mechaincs that will only work for themselves, even if they have no business knowledge.

But 2K for a Jap. Trans is not bad. BUT can be done cheaper if oyu knwo someone or do it yourself.

I rebuilt a Porsche Transaxle system onec, idiot power dropped it and split the spider gears up. It was hard to get a part and the parts cost more than that of a Chevy. So be ready for high bills of Jap cars and trucks, there are less of them so the parts cost more, and a lot of places don't want to even do Trans work.

 

[jteef]

I talked to my brother today. He said that when you try to shift it into third, when you release the clutch pedal there is much grinding and the stick is forced back into neutral, no matter how hard you try to hold it there. Double clutching will get him into 2nd with little to no grinding, otherwise there is a lot of grinding, but it will go into second. He said he hasn't been able to double clutch into 3rd at all.

The fellow at the shop didn't tear anything down yet. Just drove it and in his professional opinion said the car needs a new tranny. I don't think they do much work on imports or anything and I don't know if this problem is similar to the problems that other DSM owners have.

Any ideas?

jt

 

[Vic]

I used to own a 92 GSX. Fun ride.
Sounds like the tranny is blown to me. Having to double-clutch/popping out of gear usually means blown synchros and (as notfred) said, the clutch doesn't know what gear it's in.
The GSX is a transaxle-mounted AWD with a center-locking viscous-coupling diff as an option. Mated with 2.0L turbo I4 with ~210hp and the AWD's near complete inability to lose traction, my opinion is that you bro's been having a little too much fun. Unfortunately, the GSX is a "high-tech" car that comes with spendy repair bills, which is probably why their resale value is so low.
If the $2k rebuild is your only option, I say part out the car and forget about it... the car's not worth it. Otherwise, try to find a rebuilt or remanufactured tranny elsewhere for cheaper.
And if you're replacing the tranny, for God's sake remember to replace the clutch too.