Can't find it grind it

[broke]

So I have noticed that I have beenhaving a problem with my tranny. It is really strange. Whenever I shift into second and i am around 25 mph or higher it seems to grind into gear. So basically I can't downshift to help meslow down into second. It does not do this in any other gear except for second, and only when I am at 25mph or faster. Anyone have any ideas? I would like to get into autocross, but I want this tranny issue sorted out first.


BTW
94 corolla 4AFE 160kmiles and it has been about 5k since I put full synthetic in the transfer case. Only mods I have done thus far would be an Injen air filter, and strut tower bar.

[AVANT]

The kind of tranny oil you use will make a big difference, and tranny oil like MT-90 might be able to save it. However, grinding is usually caused by not depressing the clutch as far as you need, and/or synchros are wearing out.

[broke]

It has a recent clutch, and if it was the syncros wouldn't it happen in all the gears and not just second

[Flashmn]

You can adjust the bar in the clutch pedal to give more leverage.

but it might be the synchros.

[toyomoho]

If only 2nd gear, might be the synco as this gear often gets the most use and abuse.

[punter]

Yea 2nd and 3rd syncos are pretty common failures on C5X boxes

My 3rd is really bad, much worse than what you're describing, and I do autocross/trackdays on it. (just jam it into gear)

Hasn't gotten much worse over the last year.
(replacement gearboxes are about $100 over here though, so I don't care if it blows.)

[REN69]

"synchros" 2nd and 5th are usually the first to go depending on the use of the car.. City = 2nd, Highway = 5th

[freakinbox]

yeah mine does it too. My suggestion to you. Get really good at matching the RPM lol.. Or get a new tranny.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

yeah sounds like syncro's too me too, check your clutch fluid to be sure. tranny rebuild on a c52 is worth about $1200-$1600 CDN

[broke]

So I guess it is a call to my local tranny shop.

[freakinbox]

find a parts car with a decent tranny, $500 and you've got LOTS of parts lol

[broke]

Parts car for 500 ain't likely round my parts

[AVANT]

Does it consistently grind? or only when you're in high revs and shifting fast?

[broke]

Only when I am reving high.

I found a tranny in Ohio for 50 bucks and am getting a shipping quote. Anyone have any advice on rebuilding it? What tools I need to have? What ones are nice to have? Is there a good kit to rebuild a tranny with?

I am assuming I need to pull the engine. So should I pull that Free 7AFE and rebuild that to put in while I am at it?

[AVANT]

rebuilding is always an option, but unless you genuinely love the car. It'll almost never be worth it imo.

Since it grinds only when you're reving high, can you tell me what kind of tranny fluid you're currently running? Because it's some generic or mediocre stuff, I say replace that tranny oil with Redline MT-90. It's a lot cheaper than rebuilding and your tranny will love you for it. It's not a guarantee fix, but it's worked on certain cars in my past to minimize that exact issue.