Manual Transmission T56 | T5 | MN12 | Clutches | Hydraulics | Shifters

TR6060 Woes...

Old 09-21-2009, 05:36 PM
  #1  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
obZidian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Miami, Fl.
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default TR6060 Woes...

This is my second car (08 Z06, 09 Z06) with the same setup and both trans have had the EXACT same issue with a few slight differences.

First off, my 08 z06 was in service for 3 months because there were no parts available. The trans exhibited 2nd/3rd grinding and reverse as well. The trans would be double clutched when cold (she is notchy when cold) and shifted normally as anyone here when up to operating temp. the trans was repaired and within 3 more months... It was starting to produce the same exact thing. Block out rings were shot, 1st/2nd/3rd/reverse gears were replaced with their synchros, etc.

I parted out with that car and after missing the Z, I got another at a sweet deal.

Anyways, 7000 miles into this one and I got the EXACT same thing. Block out rings were shot, gears where trashed and the synchro's were all replaced. At this point I'm quit upset as I thought it was just the 08 car.... I searched around the forums and it would seem that the TR6060 (especially in the Z06) is just funky. Plenty of documented problems all exhibiting similar issues.

No matter, at around 10K miles... the clutch pedal went dead and stuck to the floor. I know this is hydraulic not a transmission issue however that brings me to another point. Clutch is starting to slip some with the usual smell of success!!

With the 08 AND the 09, i've had to clean out the clutch reservoir about once a month due to it being contaminated with clutch dust. The fluid would be changed out until it was crystal clear and replaced again when black. The process is a bit involved but nothing crazy.... you basically remove dirty fluid, replace with new fluid, pump the pedal 25 times check for dirty fluid. Redo process if necessary.

I can feel it when I need to replace as I'll start missing gears and the pedal feels becomes more sluggish. If left this way, the MC would go south and start to leak.

So, number one.... what is the cause of the transmission acting up like this? I spoke to a few vendors and they all seem to agree that it may have something to do with the factory blockout rings.Which leads me to my next thought...

Are there ANY vendors/trans shops here that can address this reliability issue while beefing it up? I spoke to a shop however after asking them about the blockout rings, their rebuild price ($2500.00) does not include the parts he himself mentioned to me were to problem with the TR6060. Furthermore, considering the hydraulics, is there a more efficient setup (tick for example) that might help in keep the fluid cleaner for more time and require less changes thus less chances of a problem induced from contaminated fluid?

A.
Old 09-21-2009, 06:13 PM
  #2  
Banned
iTrader: (9)
 
Big Bird WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

^^ you talk to D&D they know there ****
Old 09-21-2009, 08:04 PM
  #3  
10 Second Club
iTrader: (5)
 
Kurtomac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Okinawa, Japan
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

rpm transmissions....nuff said
Old 09-21-2009, 08:43 PM
  #4  
Banned
iTrader: (60)
 
thesource's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Adkins - Tx
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Let me tell you this. The only parts for the TR6060 are OEM from Tremec and they are not even available except through GM, Ford or Dodge. Tremec will not sell them to their distributors.
Old 09-22-2009, 01:53 AM
  #5  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
 
Black02SLPSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Owasso, Ok
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

I would also invest in a good adjustable clutch master cylinder. Preferably the tick offering, but then again im biased as i have one for my Camaro
Old 09-22-2009, 08:46 AM
  #6  
LS1TECH Sponsor
iTrader: (5)
 
Jonathan@Tick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Mooresville, NC
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

If the gears were shot and the syncro assemblies as well that means there was some definate grinding while trying to select the gears. I would say that most if not all of your issues can be blamed on the hydraulics. A clutch that will not dissengage fully is not only hard on the clutch itself, but it also puts severe wear on the blockers and fork pads inside the transmission.

We don't offer a cylinder for a c6 at this point but would be glad to get something in the works if someone would be willing to leave us there car for a few weeks. Also, at some point gm went to a pedal position sensor which may throw a kink in our whole idea of an adjustable master. If nothing else we could probably take the bore size down to the factory bore size or just one step above in order to have the pedal adjusted at full stroke regardless in order for the sensor to function as it should.

-Jonathan
Old 09-22-2009, 11:16 AM
  #7  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
obZidian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Miami, Fl.
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I have called around and I was told exactly that.... there are NO parts available from tremec for whatever reason. I would hope that there are in-house activity to remedy the situation but only time will tell.

I agree that the hydraulic system, in contrast to my other cars, is the weak point. By far, this setup contaminates the fluid way to quickly and requires a change almost on a weekly bases. I hold out as I it can get tidious but without changing over to clean fluid, you can feel the clutch get spongy and eventually, more notchyness in the trans and missed gears when WOT.

If I was closer (jonathan) I wouldn't mind dropping the car off. Maybe, we can work something out... i'll call. But if we can simply draw up a hydraulic solution to remedy the issues I feel you'll find a large market as I'm not the only person complaining about the tr6060. There are tons of threads over on CF forum.

So, taking it one step forward... is it logical to go with a fully built T56 or will the "weak" hydraulic setup still destroy that one as well?
Old 09-22-2009, 11:37 AM
  #8  
cam
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (9)
 
cam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: in the garage
Posts: 3,389
Received 62 Likes on 53 Posts

Default

How difficult can it be to design and install a decent hydraulic system? Man GM has their issues thats for sure
Old 09-22-2009, 11:53 AM
  #9  
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (41)
 
bearcatt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Lancaster California
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Was the transmission oil/fluid ever replaced after break-in and beyond break-in with a better transmission oil/fluid ?


Originally Posted by cam
How difficult can it be to design and install a decent hydraulic system? Man GM has their issues thats for sure
Tick performance did it for the F-body guys, Eventually they may come up with one for the C6's.



.
Old 09-22-2009, 02:07 PM
  #10  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
gsollish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default TR6060 parts

Sorry to hear about your problems with the TR6060, but it's not quite true that parts are only available at the dealer -- my company (Auto Gear) is stocking OE Tremec for the Corvette app. Download a preliminary bill of materials on our website, call for quotes.

Cheers,

George E Sollish
Old 09-22-2009, 05:04 PM
  #11  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
obZidian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Miami, Fl.
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

hmmm... thanks! Will do.....

My concern or thought process is if, for example, the blockout rings are to blame... why not just produce a set out of better material that will last longer?

Also, no... the fluid has never been changed since I was told that you should never change your trans fluid as it is suppose to be good for the lifetime of the transmission. Well, what if the lifetime of trans abruptly ends with all the parts in pieces?!
Old 09-23-2009, 12:44 AM
  #12  
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
 
bigsticksupra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 720
Received 5 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

do the C6 corvettes have hydraulic problems like the c5's? same system? you dont hear about it as much on the vettes than you do f-bodys.. do the vettes have problems with hydraulics as well?
Old 09-23-2009, 07:48 AM
  #13  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
gsollish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default TR6060 synchro rings

Hi,

Re the suggestion that the material for the TR6060 rings be upgraded, they're already sintered bronze, which is as durable as it gets -- the only material alternative would be molycoated serrations on steel as ZF does on truck apps, but thats never really been tried on such small diameter cones. I think Getrag (who designed the TR6060 synchros) got the design right. The problem is the capacity of the system -- too much inertia for fast shifting.

As to changing the lube, all manuals wear and contaminate the oil doing so; in theory all modern production boxes get a tiny amount of run-in at the plant, but changing the lube after break-in is a good idea, particularly at higher power levels.

Cheers,

George E Sollish
Chief Engineer, Auto Gear Company
Old 09-23-2009, 07:52 AM
  #14  
Banned
iTrader: (60)
 
thesource's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Adkins - Tx
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I had heard from a Tremec rep that there were suppose to be revised syncros in the works for the Magnum and newer TR6060's.
Old 09-23-2009, 07:59 AM
  #15  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
gsollish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default TR6060 rings

The T56 Magnum/TR6060 bills show a new ringset for 1/2 (TUES 10231) but they're not in service yet. Can't say what the difference is. We'll post when we find out.

Cheers.
Old 09-23-2009, 09:30 AM
  #16  
TECH Addict
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
obZidian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Miami, Fl.
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Well, that sounds like good news. Cannot wait to see if in fact this is the fix that is needed.
Old 09-23-2009, 04:20 PM
  #17  
On The Tree
 
OneBadLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Levittown PA
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I hear alot of GT500 guys are having this issue as well, so you aren't the only one.
Old 09-24-2009, 01:48 PM
  #18  
jmd
TECH Addict
iTrader: (4)
 
jmd's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: T56th Street, Aridzona
Posts: 2,561
Received 26 Likes on 24 Posts

Default

The usual hydraulic problems (that were nary a problem in the 89-96 Y ZF and 93-97 F T56.)

Insulating your hydr. line might be of some help. I rather doubt it's clutch dust you're seeing in the hydr. reservoir each time.
Old 09-24-2009, 07:01 PM
  #19  
Staging Lane
 
wforty94's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

so the Tremec Magnum is screwed up too?
Old 09-24-2009, 08:07 PM
  #20  
12 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
hivoltagedriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Owasso, OK
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Glad I'm having Tick rebuild my T56 instead of going with the Tr6060 like I had originially planned on.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: TR6060 Woes...



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:01 PM.