'78 280Z Another problem(transmission)

[RagingPanda]

When I hit the gas and let off, the transmission makes a loud high pitch metal-metal grinding noise, like nails through the chalkboard. It's even louder in reverse. When it's in neutral there is no noise. It's noticeable in 1t, 2nd, 3rd but 4th and 5th I can't hear because of the speed and exhaust noise. Any idea of what's the problem is?

[mtnhighus]

i would start by checking the oil level.

[RagingPanda]

I did that already and changed it with fresh Mt-90

[evildky]

hmmmm..imputshaft bearing? dunno, I'd plan on pulling the trans, and if possible locate a replacement, 4 speeds are cheap and plantiful, might be worth a few bucks to swap for a 5 speed

[minnesotazcar]

yup i think id put my money on the input shaft bearing but definatly deserving of a complete tear down.

[RagingPanda]

I've been looking for a replacement but for some reason they're either hard to come by or realllly expensive($600+). I have never tear open a transmission before but is input shaft bearing the same as throwout bearing? If so then I doubt it cuz if it's bad then it would make noises when I press on the clutch pedal.

[evildky]

no, the imput shaft has a bearing in the front of the case that it spins on, the to bearing just pushes agains the tines of the pressure plate

pull a part shows 5 260z or 280 zx's in their august ga location, they sell trans missions for about $60 and you cna even buy a warranty in case it's bad, the 280zx n/a 5 speed I believe is a direct bolt in

[RagingPanda]

as always thanks a lot. Is it better to just get a replacement or try to replace the input bearing myself?

[mtnhighus]

no, the imput shaft has a bearing in the front of the case that it spins on, the to bearing just pushes agains the tines of the pressure plate

pull a part shows 5 260z or 280 zx's in their august ga location, they sell trans missions for about $60 and you cna even buy a warranty in case it's bad, the 280zx n/a 5 speed I believe is a direct bolt in

what is this pull a part place of which you speak? i may need them when i get my 280z after the holidays. got a link for it, tried google, didnt work.

[mtnhighus]

found it, very cool, never heard of them. but like yards you get to pick your own part. thanx for the info

[evildky]

pullapart.com, the price list is printed nline, tall their inventory is listed online and all the cars are setup on makeshift jackstands made fomr welded wheels, and are spaced in numbered rows with adequate work room all around, on and tey have wheel barrels on had for you to sue and a wash station on your way out, I love pullapart

as for as tackeling the trans bearing yourself, the imput bearing is just a guess, it could be any number of bearings or bushing internally, if you have the pullers and bearing splitter and are up to complete teardown and reassy by all means have at, I'd take the this as a chance to upgrade to a 5 speed

[jtiet87]

i actually had the same exact problem. I really dont know what it was but it didnt' make that sound until i swapped in my 5 speed from an s130. At first the grinding wasn't so loud, but then as i drove it, the scratching noise became louder. My guess it was the drive shaft and the transmission grinding against one another(the outside). I wasn't sure so i jacked up my car and checked underneath, i saw metal shavings. I dont know if it was a smart idea for me to keep driving, but I did to shave off all the excess metal. About an hour or so later the sound just disapeared and nothing happend to my transmission. Everything drove perfect and everything was still in contact with the subtraction of the scratching metal noise. I dont know if this will help you, or if you even have the same problem, but I had that same problem and thats how i solved it lol. stupid i know...

[RagingPanda]

thanks for the input. There was no sound after I swapped in the 5speed until recently. Even so, it should make a sound regardless if I'm in neutral or not if I have your problem since the driveshaft moves. Mine only noticeable when it's in reverse, and transmission breaking under 1st 2nd and 3rd. As of late the car makes less noise but still there...weird. I guess it made enough room with all the grinding that it did. hahahaha