Subaru Impreza RS25 (2001): Manual Transmission Problem

[Mark]

My 2001 Subaru Impreza RS25, with about 80,000 miles, recently
developed a problem with its 5-speed manual transmission.

When shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, sometimes "grinding" occurs as it
moves into 4th gear. The problem doesn't always occur. It appears less
often if I pause in neutral before moving into 4th.

Is this a synchromesh problem? Is this a known problem with this
transmission?

And what are my repair options? If it requires the transmission being
pulled out and taken apart, who is best to do this? A Subaru dealer? A
franchise transmission shop? An independent transmission shop? (I've
never had a transmission problem before, so I have no experience with
who is best to repair it.)

If the transmission must be pulled and repaired, what does it
typically cost? Am I talking about hundreds, or thousands, of dollars?

Thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks!

Mark

 

[Kevin]

My 2001 Subaru Impreza RS25, with about 80,000 miles, recently
developed a problem with its 5-speed manual transmission.

When shifting from 3rd to 4th gear, sometimes "grinding" occurs as it
moves into 4th gear. The problem doesn't always occur. It appears less
often if I pause in neutral before moving into 4th.

Is this a synchromesh problem? Is this a known problem with this
transmission?

May be a synchronizer is worn, but the first thing to check is the
transmission fluid level. If it is low on fluid it can cause that symptom.

And what are my repair options? If it requires the transmission being
pulled out and taken apart, who is best to do this? A Subaru dealer? A
franchise transmission shop? An independent transmission shop? (I've
never had a transmission problem before, so I have no experience with
who is best to repair it.)

If it is more than just low on fluid, then it will have to come out for
repairs. Either a dealr or at least a shop that has experience with your
type of transmission, You might have to call several tranmission shops to
find one that works on Subaru Standard transmissions.

If the transmission must be pulled and repaired, what does it
typically cost? Am I talking about hundreds, or thousands, of dollars?

At least hundreds, even if it is minor damage. Thousands if it is severe.
Subaru transmission parts are very expensive.

 

[Body Roll]

May be a synchronizer is worn, but the first thing to check is the

transmission fluid level. If it is low on fluid it can cause that symptom.

If it is a synchronizer a friend of mine worked around this problem on
her old 323 by double clutch shifting. I'm very glad that ages ago
Cadillac came up with synchronizers for lazy and inept drivers like
myself though. I tried to learn to double clutch downshift the other
day and found it fairly difficult to implement. Do you typically use
the right side of the foot to operate the gas pedal on impreza or the
heel? The pedals seem to be too far apart for bliping the throttle with
the right side of the foot. Maybe it's better to just move the foot
from brake to gas and back for now? That seems to be inconvenient in
stop and go. What's a better way to learn this?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

If it is a synchronizer a friend of mine worked around this problem on
her old 323 by double clutch shifting. I'm very glad that ages ago
Cadillac came up with synchronizers for lazy and inept drivers like
myself though. I tried to learn to double clutch downshift the other
day and found it fairly difficult to implement. Do you typically use
the right side of the foot to operate the gas pedal on impreza or the
heel? The pedals seem to be too far apart for bliping the throttle with
the right side of the foot. Maybe it's better to just move the foot
from brake to gas and back for now? That seems to be inconvenient in
stop and go. What's a better way to learn this?

Well, I can't 'heel-toe'(not yet anyway) though I have occasionally
blipped the rpm up and then dump the clutch and release the accelerator.

Usually after coasting down to around 40-45 - I clutch in, select 2nd,
blip to 4k, release clutch and gas. brake if necesary down to close to
idle rpm.
I confess I rarely see a NEED to do this,(as opposed to just braking in
4th/whatever down to idle speed and then braking in neutral or clutch
down - I do try to select a gear appropriate for acceleration if
required) and 1 or 2 times out of 10 I miss the synchronization enough
to jerk a little. I feel it is only useful on rare occasions and
probably DOES save the brakes at the expense of the clutch(false ecomony
there!) - dunno.

Evidently most people use the right side of the foot for REAL
'heel-toe'. (from reading the motorsports threads at www.nasioc.com) and
yes, shoe selection can be important! I think they actually make
'driving shoes'!

Carl

 

[Michael Pardee]

Evidently most people use the right side of the foot for REAL 'heel-toe'.
(from reading the motorsports threads at www.nasioc.com) and yes, shoe
selection can be important! I think they actually make 'driving shoes'!

Carl

One of the few times I feel blessed with size 10.5 D feet!

Mike

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

One of the few times I feel blessed with size 10.5 D feet!

Mike

LOL! Yeah, big feet might be an advantage here. There are racing pedal
'sets' availble too for - I guess - very serious motorsports
enthusiasts. They have adjustments in several directions, be prepared to
spend $$$ as it replaces your stock arms and pedals completely.

Carl