2005 Acura TL A-Spec

I wanted to see if any of you have dropped your own tranny? Any DIY's on this? I have searched the forum extensively and haven't found anything.

A little history: Being a member for some time and being well aware of the issues with the transmission, I did the fluid change that is suggested at 50k, and it did help. (I have always felt the defect in the transmission must have something to do with the sychros. That is why the fluid makes such a difference with the shifting issues.) However the this just hides the problem for awhile.

Have about 104,000 miles on mine and have now started experiencing a clacking/whirring coming from the tranny. Just to verify, I have taken it in to the dealer and they have verified the noise is coming from the transmission. Their guess was the same as mine. (Synchros going bad. But no way to know unless you crack the tranny.)

Also they inform me that Acura doesn't carry a rebuilt transmission for the manual. (not enough demand) A new one is a pricey $5k. So I am looking at dropping the tranny myself and taking it in to get it re-built.

I would also like to know if any of you have any suggestions on upgrades to the transmission.

 

What you're describing does indeed sound like your synchronizers are shot. Have you considered a specialty shopt that works primarily on transmissions?

 

Yes, there a great rebuider here that I am planning on using. I talked to them and they said that they would be able to tell me more once that got it open.

One of the main things I would like thoughts on is this: Most every one with the manual tranny has this shifting issue. Eventually you have to replace/rebuild. If I rebuild... am I just going to have the same problem over again??? If so, does the tranny from other years fit the 05? If so, have they been plagued with the same shifting issues?

 

I would say perhaps more don't have the problem then do, but who knows. I know I have never had any problems of this nature with my '04 manual. Granted, when I did my first drain and fill I used GMSFM fluid, but I also know it has a lot to do with my operation techniques. As for whether or not your problems may occur again, well that largely depends upon the quality of the parts used in the rebuild, how the transmission is maintained, and how you operate it.

 

I'd get a FSM to help in the removal, it ain't easy and with the mileage on the car I'd certainly replace the clutch assembly at that time. I'd also go for a rebuild on the trans rather than do all the work and find in a short time that a used trans is no good as only a '05/'06 will fit and they are 4-5 years old.

Here's the clutch replacement from the 3G garage, but can't find the trans removal:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/clutch-install-directions-3g-garage-095-a-583900/

 

Not if you get the updated parts that Acura put out. If you had gone to your dealer with the TSB they may have good-willed it. It's TSB 08-018. http://techinfo.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/b08-018.pdf

They have updated gearsets and such. Call your dealer back and see if they'll fix it for 50 50 or something.

 

Great info csmeanse. Thanks for the link. I had seen the goodwill thing before but didn't know its application. I will print that out and give the dealer a visit.

 

speak in person with the SERVICE MANAGER- not the `service writer` who works on commission and tells you nothing is ever covered past limts- no way no how!!!!
See: Writer:n- a person who turns their imagination into your reality

that MANAGER is there to make customers happy,, and make a profit of course.
they call the regional acura warranty rep and ask if they can help you out, based on service history, their attempts to repair, customer brand loyalty,,exisiting TSB on well known problem --which is NOT warranty but `technical service bulletins` meant to be shared between techs for faster diagnosis-less warranty time billed back to corp

Some do include a proviso of replacement in certain situations

If you had the fluid changed there it will help your case

while they dont have rebuilt swap out units -they will rebuild the trans at the dealer

New clutch parts are a must while its out~ new everything in the clutch will make it go a lot longer between visits to the trans shop

If that doesnt work out:
let the rebuilder shop do the remove and replace- special tools needed for the pressure plate install and when they do it all- they can warranty the install and if any problems-they cover remove and try again cost

that trans is heavy heavy,,if you have that kind of shop equipment,, may as well rebuild it yourself~

get quotes for shops on rebuild assuming all new synchros and other parts
Ask how many TL trans the shop has done- so they know what is normal to replace and approximate cost
Dealer can often get corp to price match or better