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Hi all,

i'm a bit worried about my gearbox 2nd gear in NB8B. When cold, it seems more effort to get into gear than other gears. When it warms up, although it is much easier, it doesn't feel as smooth as other gears. Also, at times there is a clunk when i go into 2nd gear.

Are these signs that my 2nd gear synchros are worn out? Note: i've changed my gearbox oil to Redline MTL early last year.

Matty, i remember you complained about something similar to your NB8A.

cheers

steve

How many km, have the boots been changed yet/before? No problems getting into first off the line? Is the problem when going from 1-2 or when coming down from 3-2? Has it only been since the change to redline?

I would be checking boots first, and possibly lower bush.

With checking synchros drive along at ~50-60 in 4th, clutch in, neutral, slight pressure into 2nd without forcing, see how long it takes to get in.

1.The car i think is on its original boots.
2. No problem getting into first at all
The clunk seems to only occur going from 1->2. If i go 3->2 or 4->2, etc, it goes in fine, albeit with slightly more effort than other gears.
3. 1 Year since changing to redline.

I'll check the boots and the bushings, and i'll do what you said and report back.

cheers

My car has done that to varying degrees from day one, and my NA wasn't much better, even my RX7 did it when cold even with new synchros. It's just a Mazda gearbox querk. I played around with a few different gearbox oils and the one I'm using now works the best of all that I've tried. The original fill that Mazda used at the factory was far and away the worst. While your checking stuff check that the bolts holding the top plate on the shifter housing are tight. See here http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=26841

My NB8A is exactly the same. I think the way oil flows in the box and the position of 2nd gear must be the culprit because its fine if I take it slow when cold, then as soon as the oil is at operating temperature its smoooooth as a babies bottom.

(FYI, I've got the 6spd too having a 10AE)

Garry wrote:My car has done that to varying degrees from day one, and my NA wasn't much better, even my RX7 did it when cold even with new synchros. It's just a Mazda gearbox querk. I played around with a few different gearbox oils and the one I'm using now works the best of all that I've tried. The original fill that Mazda used at the factory was far and away the worst. While your checking stuff check that the bolts holding the top plate on the shifter housing are tight. See here http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=26841

Which oil are you using now?

My old NA with 100k on the clock was a little notchy into 2nd. I put it down to being a bit worn, as that gear probably receives the harshest treatment.

Which oil are you using now?

Nothing flash, only Castrol synthetic, but it does the job well.

ok i tried going from 4th to 2nd. It was fine, nothing too difficult. This was after 3-4 minutes of driving (which is the time when i remembered to do this). I'm attributing this to a gearbox quirk, as garry suggested.

cheers