SHKNBKE

Hey guys! I'm on the fence on trying to decide rather or not to change my transmission fluid in my 02 Camaro. It's equipped with the T-56 and has about 113,000 miles on it. I've bought the car with 109,000 miles and it's been starting to grind gears slightly (( Syncros )) and having trouble getting into reverse at times.

I believe the transmission fluid is low, so I've been wanting to do a complete drain and refil with new Dex/Merc III in it. Would this be a good idea and possibly fix the issue? Or would it may lead to more trouble?? Thanks in advance guys!

LS1_Sean

iTrader: (1)

You should be changing out the fluid often anyway. But if your already having issues the damage has been done and most likely a fluid change won't do much. Have you ever checked it?

SHKNBKE

Thanks for the fast reply! Do you think replacing the fluid will help being able to get into gear and also expand the life of the syncros? I'm planning on doing the fluid change today, I was just weary about the horror stories of changing transmission fluid on a high milage vehicle

I've cheecked it once when I first got it and could barely feel any fluid... I also have "skeleton fingers" so I was able to fit my finger rather far down into the filler hole then the average joe which is leading me to the assumption that it's low.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

I'd throw some new fluid in it. I use Pennzoil Synchromesh which is avalible at almost all OTC auto stores. Thicker then ATF maybe perfect to get you by for now. Once you hurt the trans, a rebuild is expensive. The Synchromesh used is the same you buy at a GM dealership.

Some people get nuts about fluids and recommondation but thats I would do.

mean_greenZ

iTrader: (1)

I know a guy who was having issues getting into 5th in his Toyota pickup and he put synchromesh in and it goes in gear smooth now.

Yes its a band-aid fix but if it gets you by til a rebuild who cares.

LS1_Sean

iTrader: (1)

tremec says dex III only. the t56 was not designed for Synchromesh or gear lube.

ls1 1990 VN

Use a synthetic like Nulon or Redline etc, much smoother changes

SHKNBKE

Hey guys! I went ahead and filled it up with some Valvoline Dex/Merc in it and it allows me to shift in every gear effortlessly now! I went ahead and just got the Dex III due to it being cheaper the synthetic and I also heard that it's better with the syncros.

The oil that was in it was still a little red, but there was no way it was 4 quarts, probably around 2.5 so I was correctly that it was running low! I hope it didn't do too much damage by driving it like that for the amount of time!

I have another quick question, on cold days my clutch pedal becomes soft and kinda spongy... when this happens the grinding noise is more appearant. Is this normal on the Camaros? I've bled my clutch the gravity way and the mityvac but it's still there... I then took it to a shop and they said it's normal =/

The clutch is soft for like the first 15 miles or 25 presses of the clutch then it adjusts itself. Anyone got any suggestions?

ramairetransam

iTrader: (18)

bleed the clutch every oil change .

spook99maro

iTrader: (2)

Stock clutch and hydraulics? Mine did that right before my master gave out.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Do a search, GM sells it. Like said everyone has their pref.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/manual-tr...l-support.html

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

anyone have a link to the steps to change it, never messed with a trans before and im tryin to read up on what needs to be done and the capacity. thanks

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

- Twist off shift ****
- Remove center consol (just a bunch of screws) or the plate for the consol, depends on preference.
- Rubber floor boot (screws)
- Shifter base plate (remove shifter)
- Car on stands or lift
- Drain plug remove, allow drain.
- Fill until it starts to come back out quicker then was draining, plug
- Reverse of install.

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

pour through shifter?

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

or pump and fill hole, which is easier i guess is what I want to know

AlamoTA

iTrader: (10)

If you have something to help you(hand pump), it's easier to fill through the normal fill hole. Pulling the shifter off for the first time is time consuming. However, it is much quicker to fill once you have it off. 3.8 quarts to fill

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

cool thanks guys, i appreciate it.

MRMonster

iTrader: (3)

How often do you guys change the fluid out?

LS1_Sean

iTrader: (1)

i stand corrected.

oldmano2z

i made a 3ft piece of home depot 1/2 inch a/c drain hose and a funnel and rout down from the front of master cylnder and into fill no problems.