T56 locking up?
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Teching In
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T56 locking up? Hi all, yesterday I happened upon some issues with my T56, the car I’m working on (95 T/A) has been sitting for ~10 years, mostly in a garage, driven occasionally. I was just finding the biting point of the car and going in and out of 1st/Reverse when the rpm’s suddenly dropped (from about 1000ish to 800), I figured it was just warming up but after this the car wouldn’t go into 1st. I turned it off and found it wouldn’t go into 1st or 2nd, so I pulled off the covers and messed around with it for a bit and got it to go into all gears, however today it would appear it seems very stiff and won’t shift into certain gears without the clutch fully depressed and more force than normal, the thing is it’s not set gears that are more difficult, it seemingly changes every time, for example at first was reverse and 1/2, but then it changed 3/4 and 5/6? Stumped on this one, maybe a combination of a clutch issue and a shifter issue? It’s a quick throw shifter also, not sure what brand. It seems drivable as long I depress the clutch fully but I just don’t want to break anything and make it worse, any help appreciated!
Last edited by HolyBird; Mar 11, 2025 at 12:09 PM. Reason: Clarity
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Grand Rapids, Michigan
After sitting for ten years, the clutch hydraulics are likely toast. They use brake fluid and it's hygroscopic, so it absorbs water. Not to mention, the seals probably dried out and flaked off, which clogged the line going to the slave cylinder. This could be why you are suddenly having to press harder to disengage the clutch. These transmissions are cake to remove, I can have mine out on the floor in 20 minutes - Just pull it and install a fresh set of hydraulics. The master will be the harder one to install, but it's not impossible.
Thread Starter
Teching In
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Sorry I should have clarified, the clutch feels fine it’s the gear shifter that is stiff, but I guess this makes the most sense that time would take a toll! Probably best to pull the transmission anyway since I’m planning on flushing all fluids and replacing all the gaskets on the engine too. I appreciate the response, thanks!
TECH Veteran
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95 T56 does not require pulling trans to replace hydraulics as the slave is external to trans
Just put new hydraulics in my 96 T56 swapped Impala yesterday. After 20 years, slave started leaking. Was hard to get in gear, especially reverse and 1st and had to burry pedal to get it to shift
have you checked your clutch fluid level?
Just put new hydraulics in my 96 T56 swapped Impala yesterday. After 20 years, slave started leaking. Was hard to get in gear, especially reverse and 1st and had to burry pedal to get it to shift
have you checked your clutch fluid level?
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Well there we go less labor for myself is always a plus! I definitely should have checked the clutch fluid today because I was pulling the battery but I completely forgot, last time I checked it was fine but I’ll definitely take a look, thanks for the response!
Thread Starter
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Yes it may be a combination of problems, I haven’t been able to fully inspect the car because I’ve been doing bodywork as the floors are rotten. I also realized I have a brake line leak and as such do not have as much fluid, which was when the problem started. Nonetheless once I manage to complete the body/frame work I will jack up the car and take look, I plan on replacing the brake and fuel lines and seals in the engine because the underside seems caked in old oil. Once I discover the cause(s) I will post and update incase anyone has the same problem. Thanks for your reply!
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