Replacing Synchros Toyota Corrolla Manual Transmission Tear Down

It's Synchronizer Sunday? Why do gears grind on a manual transmission and what makes them work right? It's synchronizers or “synchros” in this video we tear down Spanky's gearbox to reveal what a bad synchro looks like.
Shop press like the one used here → amzn.to/2gtTsrG
Bearing separator used → amzn.to/2xGnVul
Pitman Puller → amzn.to/2vVyhnX
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[@briansmobile1]

Insane EP lubricant (Xtreme Green) used on pullers etc. → www.cs4000.net/XtremeGreen/member/store/product_detail.asp?productid=XPL Shop press like the one used here → amzn.to/2gtTsrG Bearing separator used → amzn.to/2xGnVul Pitman Puller → amzn.to/2vVyhnX

[@akawireguy1197]

I rebuilt the G52 five speed in my Toyota truck. Outside, in the middle of a socal summer, under my big cottonwood tree. I looked like I fell head first into a 55 gallon drum of gear oil. Talk about a learning experience. By the time I was done I could intelligently discuss any part in there, and other than the pins and balls, I think I could have taken it apart and put it back together without the factory manual which frankly wasn't much help. The 1-2 slider was broken, and first gear was WAY tight when I got it back together. I'm not sure whether I didn't get the synchro adjusted properly or the new slider was a few thou tight but finally a couple years later it is starting to snick in normally.

[@Engineerboy100]

Wow, good job man! I think I'm working up the courage to try to rebuild my transmission after I watch your video a couple more times. I don't know if I'll be able to video tape mine but I think I'm ready to try the transmission rebuild :) Thank you!

[@mikesmith2383]

Thanks Brian! I love the more in depth videos/step-by-step videos. Thanks again for what you do!

[@PhilBourgeois]

Real McCoy vid right here This is why I’m subbed

[@moneymac2864]

Wow, I'm really impressed. This looks very intimidating...you're a brilliant technician.

[@joeidaho5938]

Only intimidating...until you start doing it. I rebuilt the e4od in my truck...and I'm not a mechanic by trade. Did a great job. Just gotta do your research and truly pay attention to detail...and never bypass anything when you are not completely sure. Transmissions are a much more logical animal than engines. Engines, in the end, have much more difficult complications, esp when people are changing parts or upgrading.

[@robertoswalt319]

I think I have a problem with a synchro on my Hyundai Veloster, thanks to teaching a couple of teenagers how to drive a stick, This helps me to know what is involved in repairing the car as well as showing the kids why they need to be gentle when shifting the gears. PS, it is good to see Spanky, I had no idea that she has her own channel. Thanks for the great videos Brian.

[@zayneparks7207]

I'm watching this video because of transmission problems in my Veloster Turbo. I believe mine is a synchronizer problem too. Did you end up getting yours fixed? If so, did you have any problems?

[@bradnimbus4836]

Love seeing Spanky on Briansmobile1! You guys are like the Sonny and Cher of automotive repair

[@D6Spanky]

It's so fun working with Brian!

[@kelvinelrick807]

I like your Engineering Explained shirt.

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Note the straight cut reverse gear, that's why cars make that strange whine when going backwards. Helical cut gears don't do that.

[@camperpro482]

Cool story bro.

[@DylanRabier]

Great video Brian. I sure miss working on these manual transmissions. Did a lot of them at the Toyota dealership. Thx!

[@alucardtheimpailer666]

Yep. Nope. That’s a lot of gears. I’ll just leave that to the pro’s so my little shit box doesn’t turn into a grenade on the freeway.

[@wyattoneable]

Spanky is sporting a cool shirt. Nice break down on the different components too. Her husband will be really happy with the team effort!

[@youwantshum9860]

You'll notice 4th gear is actually under those bearings, it's not a 1:1 ratio from the shaft like a rwd gearbox. And just a correction the synchros don't actually allow them to move at the same pace. The function of a synchromesh is to allow the speed of the gear to slow down so the sleeve can lock the gear to shaft. The gearbox is constant mesh when you hear grinding it's usually the synchro ring teeth or the dog teeth on the gear not the actual gear itself.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks for pitching in the info!

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

Super helpful video. Made me realize I'm not geared up for this job! lol

[@joshuaodowd9107]

Brian you're the man bro your vids are so informative and easy to follow you're a great teacher

[@Mikegastaldo]

Thanks for the information.i learned alot from you..I learned I need to put my transmission in the trash and buy a jdm replacement

[@Ajicles]

4:40 "It like a retention/detention device..." *Retention device* RETAIN THIS!

[@Critter0817]

I just found a very similarly described oil in my c59 transmission from discount transmissions. Took a month for 3rd and 4th the start grinding

[@nomad2495]

I have a 93 toyota land cruiser hdj81 vx turbo diesel and it started not wanting to shift from 1s to 2nd right almost like it gets stuck a little bit. It doesn't do it all the time but im hoping its not anything major.

[@bruceconnor7597]

HI Brian and Spanky You two are so lucky to have each other and to enjoy you time together, that is as rare as rocking horse shit. regards bruce

[@TheGaginator]

Fantastic video. My 06 tiburon rally car needs 3rd and 4th gear synchros. I'm trying to decide if i want to do them

[@olipirard]

Very Instructive video. I won't miss the next one.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Yeah, I've been studying for my manual transmissions ASE and I must say that in the case of manual transmissions, I may be ready to pass the paper test, but wow, I actually have a lot of basic hands on to really know what's up. This video tells me I need to know a lot more, even though I'd pass the paper test.

[@theoldwizard998]

kzbin.info

[@olipirard]

DE Nichols I wish you the best for your test. I'm sure it will be a success.

[@kevingulley6980]

My Scion does that (in 3rd) and I noticed it was making a noise when I disengage the clutch, so I took it to a shop and they want $2000 for the input shaft bearing, synchros and clutch. :(

[@jrnuguid8556]

Same here man

[@mwwhatever]

so is a synchro technically a clutch?

[@fishsquishguy1833]

Cool having the missus out in the garage wrenching with ya!

[@asapstan]

I have an 06 scion xb.it grinds when down shifting from 3rd to 2nd if I don't slow down alot.it only happens when down shifting not up shifting.now it's starting to grind when going in reverse.i can live with it but ambi looking at a total failure soon? Ihad planned on doing a 5th gear Corolla swap very soon which can be done without removing the transmission.if I do the swap will it effect the rest of the transmission?

[@redfalcon4469]

Can you explain how to check them and what to replace? And why this gear box got damaged? Is there any clearances to be checked?

[@kmlumd44]

So this was a 5 speed then? It's a c60, right? I have a c60 in my vibe gt and it's a 6 speed. Why would they name them both the same thing?

[@AP9311]

Wow Brian, D6Spanky, Engineering Explained on your shirt....Wow....a lot of combination lol.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

LOL. I only noticed the words on her shirt.

[@whoawhoapop1984]

My 01 Corolla project would make a terrible noise in gear. Like chunking and stuff. Pulled my trans and the clutch looks fine.Assuming its my synchros now.any ideas

[@youngb1ood]

Sounds like input shaft bearing. Happens on cars without a clutch delay valve due to putting it into gear quick.

[@whoawhoapop1984]

@@youngb1ood thank you! I have the trans out now. Ill look into that

[@it4dps]

Hi Brian, Thanks for the great info! In the beginning of this video you seem to pull the trans-axle out of the bottom of that car with what appears to be very little effort, but is this really the case? (..I've done enough clutch jobs that I have to wonder..) In particular, I have a 2013 Corolla at 165K that is going to need a clutch before too long. Will the trans-axle come out the bottom/driver side, or will I need to pull the motor? Thanks for any information & Best Wishes to you! -Vince

[@eRnML]

I have a Corolla 2013 Sport Automatic gear Lime distance from 2 to 3 For example the delay rpm switch rises Does anyone help my brother

[@tkflex2332]

I want to rebuild my C60 toyota 6 speed transmission. Any advice?

[@etienne8397]

I am thinking about doing this to my Matrix with the same engine and transmission with the same problem. I am looking at a parts diagram and I see three separate parts for the fifth gear syncro whereas the others are either single or in a set. Do I need all three (labeled "RING, SYNCHRONIZER, INNER NO.5," "RING, SYNCHRONIZER, MIDDLE NO.5," "RING, SYNCHRONIZER, OUTER NO.5")? Or does one of them suffice?

[@briansmobile1]

If I remember right, it's like a cone bearing with a race so at least 2 surfaces wear. I'd buy all 3 and return the other if it's non-wearing. Me being me, I'd just put in all 3 and sell some plasma if I have to.

[@weebingdanperformance4594]

IS THAT TRANS REALLY THAT LIGHT!! I have a 14 trans 6 speed, I wanna start doing mods to it, hell if its that light then im doing that myself lol

[@chrisbenamati3415]

Nice video...I had the 5-speed on my 2009 Pontiac vibe (aka Toyota Matrix) fail...bad input shaft bearing. The local shop rebuilt the trans...they replaced the bearing and a few synchros. It was great after...for a while, but after 4k miles it suddenly lost all forward gears. The stick moves fine, and both shift cables are connected and move the linkages on the top of the trans. When in reverse, I let out the clutch and the car goes in reverse. When in Neutral, let out the clutch and it goes in reverse. When in 1-5, let out the clutch and it stalls! I suspect something is messed up with the shift shafts. Could the shop have damaged something? They say their rebuild had nothing to do with the shifting linkages, but watching this, it looks like the shifting shafts are worked on during a bearing and/or synchros replacement. I've never heard of a manual failing on a matrix/Corolla in this way and am trying to understand what could have gone wrong. Thanks!

[@D6Spanky]

I love the very beginning BTW!!!! Sounds cool!

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Very smooth jazz Brian.

[@theoldwizard998]

At 12:10 you did not mention that the synchro and the gear interface via a cone clutch. After the snychro "grabs" the gear and speed matches it to the slider, as the slider continues to move toward the gear, the synchro has to "let go" so the the splines on the outside of the synchro can line up with the slider AND the splines on the gear, If that cone clutch did not slip a little, the slider could not actually mate withe the synchro and gear splines. This is also why at 11.32 the face of the splines on both the synchro and the gear are somewhat pointed and not square cut like on the slider. Yes, I worked in transmission engineering for one of the Detroit 3 a LOOOONG time ago.

[@theoldwizard998]

Joe Johnson - Then you would have to double clutch between each gear.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

+theoldwizard998, oh, I see. I didn't know that. I'm referring to your second comment, but I appreciate the in depth explanation of synchronizers. I've only been wondering about it since I was 5. You and Brian have satisfied 31 years of curiosity.

[@theoldwizard998]

Well, I was 30-something before anyone showed me a disassembled manual transmission and explained the intricacies of the blocker/blocking ring (what Brian called the syncro). There is a certain amount of "black magic" that occurs. Excellent close up animation kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnPUpGClfad1h80

[@kelhawk1]

theoldwizard998 Never had to double clutch the constant mesh motorcycle trannys I worked on in the 70's. Didn't really need to use the clutch except for starting from dead stop. Why isn't that type of transmission used in autos?

[@elijahrogers5692]

I know it’s an old post, but I seen in the video that reverse doesn’t have a synchro. Any idea why reverse would be grinding if it doesn’t even have a synchro

[@Critter0817]

Because it doesn't have a synchro

[@rgomez2945]

Brian, I have a project for you. Would you be interested? A 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, manual transmission. Needs Throw out bearing, 4th hear pops out every time. How much would it cost to have it repaired so it works like new?

[@asconstruction4146]

1998 Chevy suburban every time I warm it up it makes a paint can expansion noises is this normal it’s coming from the rear of the vehicle?

[@stephendee7839]

Hi Brian: I need to do this on a 2004 RAV4. A. Can I get the gears apart and back together without a press? I have a vice and a big hammer! and B. Do you remember where you ordered your synchros from?

[@briansmobile1]

Technically yeah... if you're careful... with a hammer? Got them from the Toyota dealership on order.

[@Velkanis]

love the engineering explained t-shirt!

[@benjaminshive7844]

my 2010 corolla has the exact same problem!

[@stevejette2329]

How many hours ? How much money ?

[@legendario13]

That was In-TENT-se, hate it when the things go springen sproingen tho', safety squints required

[@Jaides1894]

Hey guys, in which model years the Corollas had these synchro issues? I'd like to buy a used 2006 Corolla 1.8 with 140,000 km but I'm afraid of this issue.

[@evanepp]

Another Awesome tutorial! Thank You Brian!

[@TheOnlyRoute]

How much does something like this cost?

[@jeremyanthony9300]

Spanky, you and brian make a perfect couple for sure.

[@ladycabdriveraz7726]

Truly enjoy watching your videos, darn you know your craft! Brian relocate to Arizona...I got you...

[@sollymkanzi7861]

Hi Brian, a great instructive video indeed. By the way the background song. What's the name of this song and the artist?

[@aussiebloke609]

Model T doesn't need rev matching...just release the pedal to engage top gear (it uses planetary gears and a band clutch.) I'm guessing you were thinking of the '27 to '31 Model A, since it's a conventional layout 3-speed, sliding-gear unsynchronized box?

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

aussiebloke609 Did he mean model A?

[@aussiebloke609]

Dunno, no response. But I reckon it's a good guess, anyway.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

He was probably just reaching for old tech.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

aussiebloke609 Correct, model T drivers would have been in for a shock when the A came along. I suspect worn synchros may be worse than a crash box?

[@aussiebloke609]

In the few I've driven, they seemed easier, and in those boxes I've come across that were stripped down, the edge of the gear teeth were angled to a point (similar to a reverse idler gear these days, but to a more prominent point, rather like the shape of the dogs on a synchro ring) which makes it easier to get into gear with minimal noise and sould help prevent the gear teeth from butting up against each other - but synchro rings are generally brass or bronze of some kind, so the dogs tend to get chowdered up pretty badly, and from only a relatively few bad crunches. If you watch Jay Leno driving one of his old pre-war Bugattis, you'll hear a "snick" as they go into gear, but no real crunching as such. Of course, downshifting is still rather difficult (understatement of the year!) :-)

[@eRnML]

I have a Corolla 2013 Sport Automatic gear Lime distance from 2 to 3 For example the delay rpm switch rises I am tired of this problem

[@eRnML]

The delay comes like a sliding lime after the gear 2 to 3 and it comes like a space and then it changes I didn't know the problem

[@jjDarell]

Back then I thought, I’ll just pay for someone to do it… now I can’t find anyone who will do it 😂

[@ricvanwinkle1665]

Subscribed cause you da man and your wife wrenching makes you super cool dude. Is this the same tranny in a GTS celica cause I’m grinding synchros going in reverse sometimes.

[@aleksandartan7057]

Thanks for the awesome content man🤙🏽

[@anthonywendt5834]

Brian, these transmission really like Redline MT-90 gear oil. it's a true GL-4 oil. better for the sink rows.

[@randylee2549]

how about Toyota stating they want straight 75W like theirs or Ravenol 75W?

[@bobbobby5724]

Fantastic job

[@TheApothecaryAus]

I've always used Moly Grease when using an Impact gun and threads - Haven't had any issues yet. Don't know if Xtreme Green is available in Australia either... I'm sure there'd be an alternative.

[@tomduncan1970]

Never heard of that before. I was always taught not to use an impact on a puller. Do you just put it on the threads on the puller itself? Thanks for the info!!!

[@Questchaun]

That sink grow has had better days.

[@pauljordan756]

great video (as always)... could you do a similar video on a Nissan Hardbody truck 5 speed transmission? Thanks!

[@Ajicles]

Some people say they wish to have Morgan Freeman narrate there life. Me on the other hand wanting Brian to :)

[@jamesbuttery3862]

That's disturbing..

[@konic40]

thumbs up for the spanky thought subtitles lol

[@jvst20051]

Finally someone nakibg videow of a frwd manual tranny hey brian what do i need to replace when my 4th gear pops out to neutral

[@zoidberg444]

Our office had an 06 Corolla which lost 3-4 gear and then lost reverse. Oddly enough the dealers replaced it without much argument and said it was in a "shocking state". Sounds like they had issues at the gearbox plant. The US is one of the few places you would do a job like this. I had a similar thing happen to a Yaris i service. The guys Mrs wore out the syncro rings. Got a gearbox from a scrap yard for £100. Did the clutch at the same time which she also wore out. Some Toyota gearboxes are really fussy on gearbox oil as well. Wrong grade and the syncros won't grab. The synthetic multigrades don't agree with them. Often much happier on 80 weight dino oil.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Thanks, after this video I was dying to know what these manual transmissions would prefer. :)

[@zoidberg444]

DE Nichols Really depends on the gearbox. In my Toyota I run 75w90 GL4 semi synthetic in the gearbox and it seems happy. Its what i'd probably run in any modern vehicle outside of canada/us midwest or Scandinavia/alps/russia. Some people run fully synthetic like MT90 red line or the 80w Castrol syntrans. I hear it does protect better in extremely cold climates but syncros can be fussy on it and it can grind when shifting. Some newer gearboxes take GL5.

[@emmvee1678]

09 camry manual hate the extreme cold. Specifically 1 to 2 shift. Reverse is always hard. I had it changed recently and it has 75w90 in it. So something better would be good but of course it gets hot here in ny too.

[@jorgevasquez7727]

would this also be the case if the car jumps out of gear and into Neutral?

[@jvst20051]

Mine also pops out of gear on 4th gear.

[@jorgevasquez7727]

jvst20051 yea same except it usually happens to me when I get into first and start driving it’ll just hop into neutral and sometimes it’s hard to get it into gear. Especially when I go to put it in reverse it’s like there’s something blocking it from going in

[@jvst20051]

Im seeing youtube videos so i can atleast look in to what i might have to replace like synchros or bearings

[@reccocon3442]

Yep; what car, yr & model?

[@jorgevasquez7727]

Recco Con it’s a 2004 Toyota Corolla S

[@oscarravanales789]

Where u bought the sincro?

[@travisneuberger1]

Great content

[@gsheverything_2716]

How much a Job like that cost???

[@Thomas-jj1zo]

had the same thing shift it like an old lady or make a gate plate

[@travisneuberger1]

Nice!!!

[@cssplayer91]

I have a 2006 manual scion tc that my brother dailied for 13 years and third gear grinds, might need to fix it 😔

[@kp4643]

I feel your pain. Just had the same with starting to happen with second :(

[@cssplayer91]

@@kp4643 I actually found the solution. I replaced the transmission oil with expensive redline high performance oil and now all gears are smooth as butter. The oil it had before was 8+ years old and burnt to hell

[@kp4643]

@@cssplayer91 I bought my 2004 Toyota Celica 2 years and and found out it had a cracked then welded transmission. I then bought a used one from eBay. A few days ago I noticed that I could shift into second above 45mph with out a crunch. The used transmission was fine for one and a half years. It's still drivable but for going fast or overtaking in second results in a crunch and won't go in no matter if I try to trv match or not. I assume this is my fault and not taking care of the syncros

[@ncrdisabled]

Why did they not fix it under warranty?

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Because it only did it cold and the dealer techs always saw it warm with no issues inside warranty. Solution? Leave it over night and make them drive it first thing.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Now that's a job and a half!

[@nateplayzyt8152]

Sink row? You mean synchro?

[@anxtzyz]

im not doing this for one gear tbh

[@briansmobile1]

I feel that.

[@Sicktrickintuner]

Ya those 5 spd trans is junk, pulled a matrix that was toast, bearings blew up inside it between the od side and regular side

[@Sicktrickintuner]

On a side note, I most likely put the fuel tank in that car and filler neck.

[@josepharnold1345]

Maybe I’ve just been lucky but my 2010 manual just started having this problem 11 years and 166,000 miles in. I feel I’ve gotten my money’s worth.

[@jojoskunk]

This transmission already been service by the amount off silicon we can see. And how could this happen my 2007 corolla i did 130000 km on it in 2 years. Sold it at 200000 km and lot of power shift and not even the clutch let me go. Always did good service on it oil change grease on time. Nothing on that car ever broke on me.

[@Flipping_Assets]

Dewalt baby!

[@JSchrumm]

Sink row ha little sailors.

[@99GrandAM3400]

So brian, who is spanky to you? I've always wondered and could never find a video which explained.... wife?

[@ejbcomp]

TheTotalMechanic She's a friend of his. I think they used to be neighbors.

[@briansmobile1]

Snopes verified.

[@valterbeicinha9633]

you could have heated with a blow torch so that it would dilate and expand slightly so that removing could be facilitated, but hey brute forcing as a mechanic says a lot to learn.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Did you ever work out why it failed?

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

But Joe, according to theoldwizard998 elsewhere in the comments, you'd have to double clutch between each gear if they all used dogs instead.

[@camperpro482]

@ johnson cool story bro.

[@PuchMaxi]

Ohoh, has Spanky been hot rodding?

[@D6Spanky]

Always

[@johnferguson7235]

SO, it turns out that Toyota warranties aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

[@weaponisedpotato7352]

Funny how the technician can NEVER reproduce the issue. Story of my life.

[@scrapmetal100]

Red RTV- it has been apart before....

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

What color does Toyota originally use? My 99 Toyota Corolla Automatic Transmission had a white RTV "gasket".

[@deepsquat600]

say SHIFT SHAFT 5 times fast

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

Spankmeister!!!!

[@D6Spanky]

Whassuuup!

[@jfojw21dfs9]

Toyotas do break

[@briansmobile1]

LOL! not much though.

[@Millennmify]

This video about rebuilding the 5 speed C-series manual transmissions is very good too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z364eWBsi5mdhck

[@markflint2629]

RIP English

[@jjDarell]

Back then I thought, I’ll just pay for someone to do it… now I can’t find anyone who will do it 😂