View Full Version : Question regarding T5 transmission
So, I'm finally on the road, and I'm trying to work out the bugs. One in particular is that for whatever reason the trans will not shift into 5th gear. The linkage moves into the 5th gear position, and it feels like the trans is moving into gear, but when on the freeway and I shift into 5th and let out the clutch the trans just free spins. I adjusted the shifter linkage to allow the lever to move forward more thinking that it wasn't actually going far enough to engage the gears, but that didn't work. The thought of having to remove the trans is making me sick to my stomach, so I'm trying to see if there is anything else I can check short of removal. I have to admit that I rebuilt the trans and had never done so before. 1st through 4th and reverse work flawlessly, so why 5th is giving me fits I don't know. I should mention that the unit is a WC T5.
If anyone has any ideas, I would really appreciate the help.
Greg K
10-14-2022, 06:18 PM
Snap ring that holds 5th gear on the shaft has probably popped off. Just remove the tailshaft and that's probably what you'll find. Get a new snap ring, tap gear back into place and install snap ring.
Well, that would be way better than having to completely drop the trans. Again, knowing the idiot that rebuilt this trans, me, this is something that could have easily happened. Probably a stupid question, but if I continue to drive it with this type of situation can I end up doing any fatal damage to the trans, or I suppose to me?
facultyofmusic
10-15-2022, 01:01 AM
Now THAT'S my kind of question :p
weendoggy
10-15-2022, 07:43 AM
Snap ring that holds 5th gear on the shaft has probably popped off. Just remove the tailshaft and that's probably what you'll find. Get a new snap ring, tap gear back into place and install snap ring.
Good luck with that doing in the car. He doesn't want to pull it out, says it's making him sick. Well, if he doesn't do it right, have the room to remove it, doesn't take the shift fork assy out, etc., he'll deifinitely wish he took it out. So, not so easy.
Mike.Bray
10-15-2022, 10:58 AM
I had to pull my engine/trans back out to fix some o-rings on the core plugs in the block. I was really dreading it but honestly it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. If the body isn't on yet you're best to bite the bullet and just pull it so you can fix everything right.
One note, the second time I had a much better leveler and was able to pull and reinstall the engine by myself. Took about an hour each way.
https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20220929154444mediumrotated.jpg
Well Glen, if the thought of having to pull the trans doesn't make you a little sick to your stomach then you're a glutton for punishment! Unfortunately, I just got the car back from paint and got everything mounted back on the car, don't have a lift, so now I either need to find a shop who I can trust to do the work, or figure a way to get the car up in the air enough to be able to work and do it myself. Not even sure that I can handle dropping the trans by myself, and if I do, I may not be able to lift it back in place. I never should have stopped lifting weights! I guess it's going to be local driving for a while, and plan on tearing it down this winter.
weendoggy
10-15-2022, 01:31 PM
Well Glen, if the thought of having to pull the trans doesn't make you a little sick to your stomach then you're a glutton for punishment! Unfortunately, I just got the car back from paint and got everything mounted back on the car, don't have a lift, so now I either need to find a shop who I can trust to do the work, or figure a way to get the car up in the air enough to be able to work and do it myself. Not even sure that I can handle dropping the trans by myself, and if I do, I may not be able to lift it back in place. I never should have stopped lifting weights! I guess it's going to be local driving for a while, and plan on tearing it down this winter.
Nope, doesn't make me sick at all. If the rebuilder was careful, this wouldn't happen, but I know you did it yourself and not bashing you for trying. Sometimes things just don't work out, but it still can be done if you put your mind to it, and get some help!
CraigS
10-15-2022, 02:57 PM
Are you sure that the rubber shifter boot is not restricting the movement of the shifter. I know that you would expect that would also affect 3rd, but it is worth a look because it used to be fairly common.
No worries Glen, I'm sure it's something I overlooked. First time transmission rebuild ever, so I guess 5 out of 6 gears gives me about a B+. I'll have to get a trans jack cause I'll never be able to muscle it out or back in.
Craig, that was the first thing I thought of. Didn't use the rubber boot, just a leather boot and there's no restriction, so I thought maybe the linkage was not allowing it to move far enough into gear, but adjusting that didn't work. At this point I'm certain its internal, like I said, I know the guy who rebuilt it!