+1

If you can't push the gear in with a flick of the wrist or, even better, pushing it with 2 fingers, you're man handling the shifter. Alot of the grinding is pure technique.

 

I've had the same issue on my 2003 Coupe for 3 years, tried a lot of different fluids, but none of them fixed the issue. Early this year I bought the new CD009 transmission and shifting has drastically improved. From my personal experience I like the Nissan transmission fluid the best. I've tried Motul, Amsoil and Redline.

 

I had the same issues after cluth and fly wheel install. Tried generic, oem Nissan, motoul gear 90 and nothing got rid if the grind. Only thing that worked (grind free for 12k no matter how hard I shifted) was from this place:
http://www.gopurepower.com/
my neighbor used products from this place because he raced his rx8 and this is where Mazda corporate racing gets their tranny fluid. Problem is only available in 5 gallon tubs. The owner is totally old school and doesn't believe synthetic is better and that the quality is in the additives.

 

Would you guys (the members that use redline) recommend using the sythetic fluid at regular based intervals even without transmission grinds? The reason I ask is because at $10-14 a bottle that can become pretty costly.

 

You really can't go wrong with the OEM fluid.

 

I really don't think the grinding has anything to do with the fluid. I think its either the transmission or something minor with the shifter. Slave cylinder has also been changed.

 

I've had the same problem. I always just assumed it was the synchro.

 

I would say the synchros would be the biggest issue but I've heard plenty of stories of miracle fluids

 

I disagree. I've done enough asking and research to believe it can (including oil specialists, those who track cars, and Nissan master techs). Could also be a syncho problem but fluid is a cheaper 1st attempt. My issue came about several different ways that was likely due to the thickness of the fluid (and possibly additives). At one point, I would grind until the car warmed up about 20 minutes and then it would shift fine (fluid too thick at start up). When I had the propower tranny fluid, no probems at all for 12k miles. Motoul gear 90, fine at start up and grinds when warmed up (fluid likely too thin). Never a problem before cluch change and tranny fluid replacement. If it were synchros, I would expect there to be a more regular pattern of grinding. I don't believe that synchro problems are generally intermittant although I'm sure the driver could adapt to minor issues in the beginning with better rev matching skills.

 

Well, why i disagree is b/c like i stated, i did already change the trans oil to Redline (recommended to me by my mechanic who tracks his car). It did become less of an issue after the oil change but still happening. I never checked the Synchro- how does that work exactly?

 

I have had the same problem forever, although ONLY when the car is cold...I just ease into 3rd gear easy when its cold. Once I have gone a few miles and everything has heated up it shifts like butter.

 

i have the same problem but for me its my 5th gear and even then i kinda have to shift slow so it wont grind

 

After replacing the fluid with redline, i had less gear grinding now. If i shift slowly and warm up car a bit before i shift into 3rd, i would not had problem. i already drove 500 miles in a week.

I was pretty sure changing fluid would help because it was temperature related, it shift fine after drive the car for a while. i am going to try to use redline shockproof oil later. From all other car forums such as subaru and genesis, all reported improvement of gear grinding after changed fluid.

although it is a fact that we have defective transmission, but i am sure a right fluid (perhaps a cocktail transmission fluid) can slow down the degradation. it is sort like treating AIDS with medicines.

 

Come to think of it- most likely it is the fluid so... someone test it and see which fluid is the best. Or if anyone has any info proving which fluid is the best over all-please post.

 

I'm having a similar issue with my car...I have an 03 G coupe 6MT and my 2nd and 1st gears don't like to accept a gear on downshift only when its cold. Upshifting is fine, but it doesn't accept the gear on downshifts without a fight when the engine is cold. Once I drive it for about 10 minutes everything loosens up and its fine. I also have a very slight rattle in 1st gear which is silenced by pushing the shifter to the left. I talked to a guy at Napa and he scared the **** out of me saying its the tranny on its way out. Does anyone have a happier/cheaper solution or diagnosis?