Question: synchro replacement costs

[6speedvette]

well after a year of having sporadic issues shifting into second gear, i'm finally going to suck it up and have the synchro replaced. after trying adjustments and top of line tranny fluid, i still grind and kickout occasionally(mostly when cold) when shifting into 2nd. but 2nd only. no other problems in any other gear.. i need to shop around. what would be a reasonable price to have this done? money is tight and im trying not to spend a fortune.. i see used trannys on ebay from $500-1200. so thats another route i guess i can go.. what do you guys think? thanks!

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
The syncronizer alone from GM is $443.00. Depending on which part is bad or BOTH the syncronizer hub AND 2nd gear, it could be much more.

Now, that being said, the labor for that would be about $1300 plus the rear wheel alignment afterwards.

Personally, Ebay units have never inspired confidence in me.

Find a specialist in this transmission, spend the money and you will be fine for MANY MANY years to come.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Junkman2008]

I don't care who sells them. I would never buy a used transmission, no matter how much a new or rebuilt one cost.

 

[Edmond]

How much work is involved in changing the syncro?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
In the pictures below, you can see the transmission gears and shafts with syncronizer assemblies exploded for clarity.

The first picture, trans1, is the rear of the unit, that must be disassembled first. Removing the 5/6 gear assembly from the mainshaft and then the reverse gear assembly as well. Then you can remove the exterior of the case, which is pictured.

The second picture is the actual 2nd gear syncronizer, which is #7 in the picture. Now this is just the HUB assembly itself, not the blocking ring and other parts which is #6 in this pic. The case is only there to illustrate that these parts are UNDER the case.

The third picture is what is left as you remove the case and you are looking at the transmission mainshaft, counter shaft gear cluster and associated components. #39 is your actual second gear, and the 3 pieces above it are you CONE FRICTION SURFACES which must be inspected also.

Once the syncronizer hub is pressed off the mainshaft, you are free to remove the gear and inspect.

GM pays about 10.3 hours to do this job, it will take me about 14 to do it correctly and align the vehicle.

Motor book time is about 14 hours.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Junkman2008]

What would one expect to pay for this Paul? Also, is this considered a total rebuild? As I see it, if you are going to break a transmission down this far on a vehicle over 100,00 miles, wouldn't it be smart to go ahead and do a total rebuild, regardless of what is wrong?

 

[c4c5specialist]

What would one expect to pay for this Paul? Also, is this considered a total rebuild? As I see it, if you are going to break a transmission down this far on a vehicle over 100,00 miles, wouldn't it be smart to go ahead and do a total rebuild, regardless of what is wrong?

HI there,
A total rebuild, or what we call a 'recondition' is a complete evaluation of every single part, replacing only damaged parts, replacment of all seals, meaning input and output shaft, sector shaft and upper shifter cover.
This being said, that would be very substantial from a cost standpoint, considering a NEW transmission is about $2600. If one syncronizer is over $400, then you are talking about alot of money just in parts.
An evaluation of the transmission upon teardown is always important, and if the technician is knowledgeable then you would be accurately advised.
Personally, a replacement of a syncronizer or gear is still cheaper than an entire transmission.
If I was to do ONLY the 1/2 syncronizer, your still talking about $2100 to do the job.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Rex S]

HI there,
A total rebuild, or what we call a 'recondition' is a complete evaluation of every single part, replacing only damaged parts, replacment of all seals, meaning input and output shaft, sector shaft and upper shifter cover.
This being said, that would be very substantial from a cost standpoint, considering a NEW transmission is about $2600. If one syncronizer is over $400, then you are talking about alot of money just in parts.
An evaluation of the transmission upon teardown is always important, and if the technician is knowledgeable then you would be accurately advised.
Personally, a replacement of a syncronizer or gear is still cheaper than an entire transmission.
If I was to do ONLY the 1/2 syncronizer, your still talking about $2100 to do the job.

Allthebest, c4c5

It's hard to beat GM crate engines and transmissions cost wise. It is a new assy. and comes with a 3/36 warranty.

 

[Junkman2008]

It's hard to beat GM crate engines and transmissions cost wise. It is a new assy. and comes with a 3/36 warranty.

Which makes me think that the best thing to do is buy a new transmission the first time yours goes and install it. Then, have the broken one repaired and keep it for a backup of sell it. That's my plan.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Warranty is actually 3 years, 100000 miles on all GM transmission assemblies.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Edmond]

HI there,
Warranty is actually 3 years, 100000 miles on all GM transmission assemblies.

Allthebest, c4c5

Holy crap!

I think that it'll be soon before I drop the trans on my Z. It will grind at times going into first. And it is sometimes difficult to shift into 3rd.

At times, I seems like there is something "loose" underneath the shifter.

Trans fluid is new, clutch fluid is new. I don't drive it hard, don't race it.

What if I dropped the trans myself and had a pro rebuild it?

Isn't a lot of the cost with R&R?

 

[gmjunkie]

Holy crap!

I think that it'll be soon before I drop the trans on my Z. It will grind at times going into first. And it is sometimes difficult to shift into 3rd.

At times, I seems like there is something "loose" underneath the shifter.

Trans fluid is new, clutch fluid is new. I don't drive it hard, don't race it.

What if I dropped the trans myself and had a pro rebuild it?

Isn't a lot of the cost with R&R?

OOOOOOOOh Edmond,dropping the tranny in a C5 isn't like a 66 chevelle!!!
The Transmission,Differential,Exhaust and Rear Suspension comes out!!:L:L:L
I've changed 8 clutches in C5's,and it wasn't something I wrote my mom in Missouri about how pleasant it was!!!

 

[Edmond]

Junk,

Wanna do mine for free?:L

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

Yes, alot of the labor is in the removal of the unit, I would say about 7 hours, plus the wheel alignment.

So, at our labor rate of $95, you are mostly talking about probably $800 saved.

But it is also true that you need a few things, like retainers for your brake lines, lower ball joint nuts, subframe retainment nuts and lower shock bolts to correctly install everything back together.

Your more than welcome to ship it to me Ed.

But personally, I would try to adjust and torque the shifter bolts first..


Paul

 

[gmjunkie]

Junk,

Wanna do mine for free?:L

I don't know about Free Edmond,But I would certainly cut you a deal!!Our labor rates around here are about 33% less than other parts of the country!!

But personally, I would try to adjust and torque the shifter bolts first..


Paul

And this is something you can do yourself,there is nothing hard or tricky about it!!
Just will take a little of your time!!

 

[Edmond]

HI there,
But personally, I would try to adjust and torque the shifter bolts first..


Paul

Okay, maybe I'll try that this weekend.