Removal and replacement of 5 spd 1988 accord

[Robert Pilsucki]

I have an 88 accord that runs like a top. The trans is suspect. Lost 5th gear but was able to remove end cap and re touque end shafts. Luckily 5th gear was on th end of the shaft. The trans whines when in 5th gear. Also the clutch is suspect. It grabs high and shudders going into 1st and 2nd. I have never done a trans on a front wheel drive so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Figured Id do the clutch while Im there. The car still gets 40 mpg so I cant shoot it yet 🙂

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[Lorrin Barth]

I had a clutch that suddered from when new and it went 90K. Unless you think the transmission is about to go you could continue driving it until the clutch slips. Probably 5th gear got chewed up a little when loose and will never quit whining until the gears are replaced. But if the transmission gets noticeably louder then I’d pull it.

[Robert Pilsucki]

Thanks for the help. Im gonna keep driving it. If any thing when the clutch starts slipping Ill address that.

[EricTheCarGuy]

When clutches go they usually start to slip in the higher gears first. Your gears may be fine, it may just be your clutch that’s the problem. You might try adjusting it first. That said, it’s VERY important that you only run Honda fluid in that transmission. If not then you may get the noise you’re talking about or damage the transmission. More information and videos about dealing with problems like this can be found here.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Author]

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