Problem free Midlands?

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May 10, 2011 | 01:16 PM

#26

cristo

Alliance Member

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 4,101

Likes: 229

From: York, Pennsylvania

Mine is a 2003 MC. 58,000 miles. Midlands still fine (so far).

May 10, 2011 | 01:22 PM

#27

goin440

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,244

Likes: 0

From: Speedway

Quote:

Originally Posted by firetruck41

I just bought my R50 two weeks ago (85k mi), knowing it has a tranny issue. It has a whirring sound in 1st through 3rd, but operates fine. A drain of the old fluid, showed quite a bit of metal on the fill/drain plugs. Anybody know what these symptoms are a sign of, ie. bearings, synchros, etc?

Its a sign that its done. Lucky you even still had fluid in it.

What happens is the outdrive seals begin to leak. The shavings are a result of the lack of fluid lubricating the gears.

May 10, 2011 | 01:24 PM

#28

goin440

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,244

Likes: 0

From: Speedway

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizandrooo

have any of you guys considered changing the gearbox oil once a year ? im being a cautious cat and been that.

Its a lifetime oil. Doesn't really matter whether you change it or not if you can't keep it in the transmission.

May 10, 2011 | 01:30 PM

#29

goin440

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,244

Likes: 0

From: Speedway

Quote:

Originally Posted by R53 Speed

Speaking of problems with the midlands...
When upshifting from 1st to 2nd gear, if I don't let the RPMs drop far enough, there is a deffiinate lurch felt. However, if I let the RPMs drop enough (right around 2k (depending on MPH of course)) then it feels smooth. I've never had to do this with my last two cars and they were both 5speeds. Both german cars btw (BMW 318is, and a Porsche 944).

All other gears feel fine shifting into - especially 4th. Going into 4th is like butter, I love it.

Does this sound like a problem with the syncros or maybe the clutch and the transmission is fine? Like, maybe the clutch isn't catching right? If so, then how come only in 2nd gear and not the rest of them?

Yeah, you let the clutch engage and the rpms are higher in 2nd gear than the current speed, its going to lurch. Example (I dunno actual speeds but you get the picture) 1st gear @ 2500rpm may be 30mph. 2500 rpm in 2nd could be 40mph. The lurch is the sudden engagement of the clutch trying to match engine speed with wheel speed. You'll burn the clutch out. It could be your other cars already had their clutches burnt.

The reason you don't feel it in the higher gears are the ratios are longer and a similar clutch drop isn't going to be as noticeable.

Last edited by goin440; May 10, 2011 at 01:38 PM.

May 10, 2011 | 01:34 PM

#30

goin440

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,244

Likes: 0

From: Speedway

If you don't rocket around and abuse the transmission, I think they'll last long. I dropped my first trans @ 75K. Since then, easy going and I've put 102k on the second trans and it feels good. I think the clutch may be going out, but it should be with that mileage

Last edited by goin440; Jun 1, 2011 at 01:47 PM.

May 10, 2011 | 02:02 PM

#31

Vollgas

6th Gear

iTrader: (37)

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 1,197

Likes: 0

From: Rockledge, FL

I have an 04 R50 with 72K on it.
The clutch is fine.
The transmission is fine.
I think alot of the problems of the Midland transmissions were driver induced.
I have seen some real "MORONS" tear up their cars by the way they drive them.
I drive in a very "SPIRTED" manor, but I don't abuse the car.