Manual transmission woes

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Aug 29, 2019 | 06:03 PM

#11

donbrew

Moderator

Joined: 01-23-2009

Posts: 26,533

From: Fredericksburg,VA

All transmissions are difficult to rebuild. That's why nobody does it anymore. They are afraid of having to actually know something.

Aug 29, 2019 | 07:15 PM

#12

hhrock

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: 04-20-2019

Posts: 34

From: BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue_SS

I think they all have synchros, but maybe not for reverse. However, your point is spot on. Check the cables...

No synchro is like the '49 John Deere I learned to drive on! LOL!

Quote:

Originally Posted by donbrew

All transmissions are difficult to rebuild. That's why nobody does it anymore. They are afraid of having to actually know something.

Quote:

Originally Posted by firemangeorge

Not really a correct statement that Cobalt transmissions will work.
The HHR SS 5 speed is a Saab transmission. MU3 is the code for that tranny. The Saab factory designation is it's a F35 tranny. I think that the Cobalt SS used this same MU3, F35.
The LS and LT' 5 speeds use a different transmission which is a Getrag F23.
At the least, if you went with a Cobalt for a replacement you would need one from a SS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat Man HHR

I would like to see the parts breakdown of this transmission.
Interested in how second gear synchro is working with the reverse gear. Does reverse even have a synchro ?
Hard engagement can be linkage/cables or clutch disengagement.
Just my 2 cents.

Quick update

Just finished chatting with the ICBC dude, and then the service manager at the dealership.

Briefly the ICBC guy mentioned they were very close to the limit of what they could spend on the car, and offered to write it off, or explore some other options including waiting for a serviceable unit. He'll be away this weekend (long weekend here in Canuckistan), but will get back to me on Tuesday.

Then I talked with then SM, who suggested they could rebuild the transmission, probably for a lot less than the ICBC maximum. At least that would get me a rebuilt tranny, with a warranty, and avoid the write off. I'm pretty sure ICBC will accept the rebuild offer!

I still have to post some photos of the mouse issue I dealt with earlier -- $2,500.00 worth of repairs, but now will take the time to photo the disassembled transmission.

I really hope they don't lend me a Cruze. Horrible car.

I'll keep you posted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To Cat Man HHR: Yeah, I'm aware reverse doesn't have a synchro, but these transmissions are just plain weird! The cables were adjusted according to spec, and the clutch is within spec.

To firemangeorge: Yes, the standard Cobalt transmission doesn't fit, but the F35/MU3 with LSD is exactly the same. That's what they replaced my poor old cracked one with.

To donbrew: They actually do have a guy at the shop who can rebuild damn near anything. But you're otherwise correct: trades are suffering because all the cool kids wanna be rock stars!

To Blue_SS: Yes. But these transmissions are weird. And the cables are adjusted.

Aug 30, 2019 | 04:10 PM

#13

Blue_SS

Senior Member

Joined: 06-07-2011

Posts: 2,180

From: SE Mich

Quote:

Originally Posted by donbrew

All transmissions are difficult to rebuild. That's why nobody does it anymore. They are afraid of having to actually know something.

This is so true. We fight with our techs to do diagnostics to help feedback for Quality to Engineering. People in my area think it's because we don't pay diagnostic time (we do), but this is more likely the case.

And it's not isolated to transmissions. We have all kinds of electrical stuff that results in multiple part replacement and/or repeat repairs because proper diagnostics weren't followed. Basic stuff.