2nd Gear Grind at 75k miles - Please advise - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ma1hman · 07-02-2017, 08:35 AM

Greetings fellow Camaro owners,

I've run into that problem I have seen many times on the forums, the 2nd gear grind issue. However, this occurred much later for me than for others, (started at about 70 - 72K miles). When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, I began to notice that it would grind once in a while. Then I found myself having to slow down and try the shift again with success. Now unless I shift early, I can reproduce the problem almost 100% of the time. This of course affects the shifting pattern and slows down my starting acceleration (much more work is put on 2nd gear), but it avoids the grind.

Unfortunately my 100k mile powertrain warranty expired this past January. I brought it into my dealership and they drove it, reproduced the issue, and said it is most likely a blocking ring going bad. They gave me three choices:

1. Installing a rebuilt transmission for $3500 with a 1 year warranty
2. Installing a brand new GM transmission for $4500 with a 3 year / 100k mile warranty.
3. Drive it as it is and avoid the grind as I have been doing.

I have opened up a case with GM to see what they can do for me. My contention is that it is too early in the life of the car for this caliber problem to be happening. I have driven the car very easy for the 6 years I have owned it. The clutch is still in good shape and never slips. Heck, it even has the same brake pads and battery (don't ask me how that is possible). I have no problem with driving it less aggressively for the time being, but long term I want to be able to drive the car to its potential. From other posts on here, I know this is a weak point in these transmissions and GM is doing nothing about it (at least not for the V6 trans). I know they have begun using carbon fiber rings for the V8 trans.

Questions:
1. Do you think I have a case here and is it likely GM will help me?
2. Are there other aftermarket options for the V6 transmission or would I be stuck with a rebuilt or new AY6 with the same flawed parts?

3. Would I be better off getting a third party shop (not the dealer) quote me on rebuilding mine perhaps with better rings?

Any advice on my issue would be greatly appreciated so I will know how to proceed.

Thanks in advance,
Jason

The_Stache · 07-07-2017, 08:46 PM

Just rebuilt mine this april, 111k miles with too many track days to count... the rebuild with rpm was 2500.00 and included many upgrades (new bearings and seals, bronze fork pads, new 1-2 synchro, new 2nd gear, carbon blockers on 1-4 gears, micro polish, bronze shift cup, and shipping back and forth).

The blocker was gone on mine and caused more damage synchro and 2nd gear cause I babied it until I could afford the rebuild.

Don't pay dealer prices... a new trans with carbon blocker on 2nd gear from gm is 2600.00 with core exchange.

Edit, just saw this is for a v6... not sure what the price diff is, but it's gotta be cheaper than the v8... go with a reputable 3rd party and ger a better/stronger result.

Synner · 07-07-2017, 09:09 PM

GM has every right to tell you to go pound sand. You can try changing the fluid first to a good synthetic but since it's already bad you may not see as much of a difference as if you had done so sooner. Not sure on v6 upgrades, not much out there for them. And I agree on not doing it through your dealer. Their labor rate is probably $130-140/hr and they allow you the privilege of paying full retail on parts.

07-02-2017, 08:35 AM	#1
Ma1hman Drives: 2011 2LT/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Coconut Creek, FL Posts: 8	2nd Gear Grind at 75k miles - Please advise Greetings fellow Camaro owners, I've run into that problem I have seen many times on the forums, the 2nd gear grind issue. However, this occurred much later for me than for others, (started at about 70 - 72K miles). When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, I began to notice that it would grind once in a while. Then I found myself having to slow down and try the shift again with success. Now unless I shift early, I can reproduce the problem almost 100% of the time. This of course affects the shifting pattern and slows down my starting acceleration (much more work is put on 2nd gear), but it avoids the grind. Unfortunately my 100k mile powertrain warranty expired this past January. I brought it into my dealership and they drove it, reproduced the issue, and said it is most likely a blocking ring going bad. They gave me three choices: 1. Installing a rebuilt transmission for $3500 with a 1 year warranty 2. Installing a brand new GM transmission for $4500 with a 3 year / 100k mile warranty. 3. Drive it as it is and avoid the grind as I have been doing. I have opened up a case with GM to see what they can do for me. My contention is that it is too early in the life of the car for this caliber problem to be happening. I have driven the car very easy for the 6 years I have owned it. The clutch is still in good shape and never slips. Heck, it even has the same brake pads and battery (don't ask me how that is possible). I have no problem with driving it less aggressively for the time being, but long term I want to be able to drive the car to its potential. From other posts on here, I know this is a weak point in these transmissions and GM is doing nothing about it (at least not for the V6 trans). I know they have begun using carbon fiber rings for the V8 trans. Questions: 1. Do you think I have a case here and is it likely GM will help me? 2. Are there other aftermarket options for the V6 transmission or would I be stuck with a rebuilt or new AY6 with the same flawed parts? 3. Would I be better off getting a third party shop (not the dealer) quote me on rebuilding mine perhaps with better rings? Any advice on my issue would be greatly appreciated so I will know how to proceed. Thanks in advance, Jason

07-07-2017, 08:46 PM	#2
The_Stache SoCal Race Team #13 Drives: 2010 1SS:RS:LS3:SW Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,803 View My Garage	Just rebuilt mine this april, 111k miles with too many track days to count... the rebuild with rpm was 2500.00 and included many upgrades (new bearings and seals, bronze fork pads, new 1-2 synchro, new 2nd gear, carbon blockers on 1-4 gears, micro polish, bronze shift cup, and shipping back and forth). The blocker was gone on mine and caused more damage synchro and 2nd gear cause I babied it until I could afford the rebuild. Don't pay dealer prices... a new trans with carbon blocker on 2nd gear from gm is 2600.00 with core exchange. Edit, just saw this is for a v6... not sure what the price diff is, but it's gotta be cheaper than the v8... go with a reputable 3rd party and ger a better/stronger result. __________________ A.K.A - Diarmadhi (old handle) - So much to do.. So little money Owner : Fast-Stache Industries LLC

07-07-2017, 09:09 PM	#3
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,544	GM has every right to tell you to go pound sand. You can try changing the fluid first to a good synthetic but since it's already bad you may not see as much of a difference as if you had done so sooner. Not sure on v6 upgrades, not much out there for them. And I agree on not doing it through your dealer. Their labor rate is probably $130-140/hr and they allow you the privilege of paying full retail on parts.