1991 Transmission help...

[Cyrus]

Ok, my transmission is leaking. I oil in it once, and then itleft a big puddle of it. Of course i have added something to help it, and it's worked. It's still leaking though. Also first gear takes a while to accelerate and shift onto second. From a complete stop it takes its time to move forward, usually taking the RPM's to 2,000. Reverse kicks in with no problem. I am asking on the opinions of other Q45 owners, should i buy a new transmission, or fix this problem? Of course, i would have to know what's there to fix specifically... so here's the part where i ask for help.

[maxnix]

Difficult to discern what exactly is happening from your post since there is no maintenance history, but I recommend you start budgeting for a replacement rehabilitated transmission form Nissan, and the other things that are done at that time. Especially if it is leaking so much ATF you have to replenish it regularly.

Strange we get all these strange transmission behavior stories and none of them ever mention maintenance history, the condition of the fluid, or whether there is a auxiliary ATF cooler installed.

By the way, have you read the Timing Chain Guide Article? It might influence you decision greatly.

[Cyrus]

well the history is great. There haven't been any problems with the transmission. It doesn't have an AFT cooler in it. the fluid it drops is pretty much the same way it was when i saw it in the can. It's like it just goes through and falls right out immediately. I'm thinking of just getting a transmission from Nissan *which is 10 minutes away from my house* which costs me $200. But i will take a look at the Timing Chain Guide Article.

[maxnix]

Nissan remanufactures its transmissions in TN.

So if ATF is pouring out, from where is it emanating?

Put the two fluids on a white paper towel to check the color. Change is evidence of degree of degradation.

I don't think you quite grasp the concept of transmission maintenance. Mainly, we are asking how often has the fluid been mechanically exchanged, pan dropped and cleaned, filter replaced, new gasket and one time use bolts installed? Has the turbine sensor been replaced? ATF should not flow out of it, but it will leak persistently when it has failed.

[Rex]

The "history" question is about maintenenace (fluid changes, flushes, filter changes, pans drops, etc).

What transmission are they providing to you for $200? 'cause a Q45's transmission is closer to $2000.

[elwesso]

remember that Q45 trans starts in 2nd gear, not 1st!! So that could be why it "takes forever to accelerate"

you should probably fix the problem, its either going to be the rear main seal or the transmission pan gasket, its not terribly hard to fix either of those.

[Cyrus]

The "history" question is about maintenenace (fluid changes, flushes, filter changes, pans drops, etc).

What transmission are they providing to you for $200? 'cause a Q45's transmission is closer to $2000.

That is true... the transmission usually costs $1500-$2000... but it's actually a Nissan building located here in Los Angeles. They sell used, new and rebuilt transmissions. for $200 at the least. it's the real transmission. I was surprised to find it so cheap.

Well as for the history... the only one that would know all of it would be my friend who sold it to me, he has everything on the car. So i'll try to get that information.

[Q45tech]

The least expensive rebuild kit is ~~ $200 [wholesale] the most effective rebuild kit is $343 [wholesale]...................once the transmission is on a bench an expert can install the kit in 12-14 hours..............this does not include any hard parts, pump, or planetary or any gears...............nor does this include the valve body or torque convertor.

Junk yard takeouts usually sell for $400-$500 as they are worth half that as cores for rebuilding.

The major US importer for JDM junkyards is in El Monte as I remember.

[ceningolmo]

If you can get reliable Q45 tranmissions locally (used, rebuilt or otherwise) for anywhere near $200... well, you have just struck gold. I would suggest that you immediately contact the person who quoted you that price and offer to buy everything they have in stock IMMEDIATELY.

If these transmissions are truely a Nissan rebuild and are in decent condition you should be able to ebay them for $800-100 plus shipping. If they are in great condition you can probably ebay them for closer to $1400 and sell ALL THAT YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON.

You can make yourself rich by the end of next year.

Let me know when I can get one from you... I expect you will let me buy one at your cost since I did you the favor of suggesting the means by which you are going to get rich.

[Cyrus]

well thet of course don't just sell transmissions for a Q45... they sell everythig for Nissans... Engines (working), transmissions (working or non-working)... basically anything that would cost an arm or leg...

but sure, as soon as i get one, i'll sell you one.

And as for the transmission leak, it's the rear seal. my friend put in oil (while on of course) and it just started to leak. Slowly, but of course it was there. So i take it shouldn't take alot to fix that problem should it?

[maxnix]

No that is easy. But if you have the original driveshaft, I think there is a change in the center bearing design that might require you to replace the whole thing if it falls apart when you disconnect it. Investigate thoroughly for worst case scenario. If it is original, it probably needs repalcing anyway.

[Cyrus]

Hmm... im guessing worst case scenario would be the planetry gears are burned... just gone... best-case it would need fixing and that's it... but i am not very sure about the center bearing design... i'll have to look into that...