Hey all. I have the opportunity to buy a very good condition 2005 R50 with a bad manual 5 spd. transmission. From the owner, it will drive and shift, but grinds all gears (not reverse). Sounds to me like bad syncros. I have looked for a used transmission and they are very hard to find.

I have been googling for about 1/2 hour and cannot find any reference to a syncro rebuild kit. Seems there are plenty of options for the bearings, but the syncros don't seem to exist.

1. Any advice?
2. Are these transmissions (GS5-52BG) rebuildable? Where do I get parts?
3. Anyone have any experience rebuilding these? How hard is it? Do I need a press?

Any thoughts would be helpful.

 

To me it is not in very good condition then. The Midland 5-speed doesn't have the best reputation to begin with and a rebuild - or even a regular clutch job - will be expensive, and that's if, as you say, you can even find a kit and someone competent and willing to rebuild it. Could try a junker unit but a lot of trouble to play easter egg to solve the issue.

Would pass on this one and wait for an R53 / R52S with the much beefier Getrag 6-speed gearbox, preferably a stock facelift 2005 built before 9/2005 (many pre-facelift issues solved but the fuel pump relay is still replaceable on the driver fuse panel - you're welcome). Watch the board's Marketplace for someone looking to sell but in any case look for regular maintenance and zero rust especially underneath. Believe you'll be much happier with your investment. Good luck and welcome.

 

FWIW, the 2005 is the Getrag, not the Midlands.