So is it safe to say that every SS has a loud 5 speed trans & clutch????? I have read all of the threads and it seems we all have virtually the same complaints. I have 1,600 miles on mine and I have the clunk when you push in the clutch. I wouldnt say it is loud, but you certainly can hear it. I do not hear a clunk in my shifter or trans but mine does not shift into 3 rd or 5 th cleanly some times. Not every time, just some times that I cannot repeat. I am thinking the shift rods might need an adjustment. I will be really interested to hear if your new throw out bearing eliminates the noise/clunk after you put a few miles on it. Good luck and keep us posted. G.B.

 

Great thread. I agree with the comments thus far about the misc. noises. If indeed it's normal and in the name of durability, then that's fine with me. Would anyone recommend (especially "boosted") putting in synthetic transmission fluid?

 

The transmission comes from the factory with a "lifetime" fill oil. Supposedly the fluid never needs to be changed....

 

I read this in the owners manual and ! The '04 4Runner I traded for the SS supposedly had the same 'lifetime' fill characteristic. I can say definitively that after 80K miles of normal driving the fluid was exhausted. Used oil analysis will tell you volumes!

No way I'll ever believe the 'lifetime' fluid BS again. Actually, I feel stupid for believing it in the first place .

 

I agree that lifetime trans fluid is a crock. I had a VW Jetta with an auto box that was sealed with lifetime fluid. There was not even a dip stick. At around 65,000 miles the trans was slipping at times. The dealer wanted $350 for a filter and fluid change! I found a local VW garage that did it for $210. This thing used some VW snake oil that was $22 a quart on top of the labor for the service. It shifted like new after changing the fluid and filter. I think ever car or truck could benefit from a trans filter and fluid change at 50 - 60,000 miles. G.B.

 

The car is going to the dealer on tuesday so as soon as i get the car back i will definately let you guys know if the problem was solved

 

Good Luck!

G.B.

 

What's all this about clunks and loud transmission being normal for the 5 speed? No way is that normal. Mine is quiet in all gears, shifts smoothly (if not quickly). Only "noise" is exhaust and high pressure direct injection fuel pump.

 

I agree... My trans is very smooth shifting and quiet running. I still find mine a little more difficult to shift to reverse than I'd like, but otherwise all is good. The only sound I hear is the syncros if you downshift into first when your still moving fairly fast coming to a stop...

 

Alright, you guys convinced me. I guess I am going to have to take my car in for the clunk when you push in the clutch in and have the shfit rods adjusted. I was trying to convince myself that this was how this high performance car was supposed to be. Even though deep down I felt that it is not right. My car had 30 miles on it when I bought it and might have been subjected to some zealous test drives? G.B.