Transmission whine and hard shifting

[Itsnotme1988]

1996 Altima with 252k miles. When in neutral the transmission has a lound whine/growlng sound that will go away about 2 seconds after pressing in the clutch. It is also hard to get into first unless I slide the shifter into second then hit first, or if I put it in first just before I stop but at times it still feels like a *crunch.* Should the trans be condemned? Climbed under the car today and the noise sounds like it's coming from the bellhousing which leads me to think it's the input shaft bearing. There is also some rattle I couldn't hear before coming from the rear of the transmission.

Clutch is supposedly 10k miles old but no idea what fluid was used. Fluid is full. Slave/master has been bled and fluid flushed.

There is also a high pitch whine when cruising in fifth.

No matter how smooth I try to shift it's still a bit jerky when releasing the clutch pedal, and takes some force to shift until it warms up a bit.

Under engine braking -->light throttle or light throttle -->engine braking the car will also bounce a bit and send a few jolts through the shifter. (think this could be related to bad strut mounts)

Idle is set at 700, and all four mounts are new OEM. Intake doesn't appear to be leaking, new TB gasket, cleaned EGR and passage and replaced both gaskets, new dizzy oring. No codes.

[RicerX]

Firstly - welcome to NICO!

From what it sounds like, I feel you may be experiencing multiple problems.

With respect to your issue with first gear, typically with Nissan transmission, there isn't a syncro built into first gear, because the only time you should go into first gear is from a dead stop. If this is something that is just now coming about, then it is possible you need a new first gear.

Take the above with the assumption the correct gear lubricant is being used. If the transmission is producing noise/whine after a recent service, then it is possible the wrong gear oil was used. Nissan typically uses brass components in their transmissions, and the wrong fluid can actually wear down those components, causing several issues including many of the ones you have mentioned here. Is there any way to find out when the service was done and what fluid was put in?

Hope we can narrow this down for you.

[Itsnotme1988]

The PO knows very little about cars in general. He says the clutch was done about a year ago so chances are if it is the wrong oil the other synchros and yellow metals are gone.

[nico510]

Sounds like this been going on for a while. @ 252k mi I would recommend replace or rebuild. Which ever is more cost effective,