I just had my transmission replaced at 30,000 miles. Second gear synchronizers gone (down shifting from 3rd to 2nd). The mechanic said that there was a pound or two of metal dust in the bottom of the gearbox. They did the work under warranty (thanks, Toyota!), but the Service Mgr basically blamed me for the premature failure. I've driven a stick for 35 years and NEVER wrecked a trans. Never raced - occasional "spirited" driving but NEVER abused the box. Hell, you CAN'T abuse the box!

After all that, I guess my question is: has anyone had trans trouble at 30K? Does my 60k service include a transmission replacement? I thought this thing would roll forever.

 

Ask that service manager to put his opinion in writing.
That will shut him up.
No one should expect a trans to go at 30K.
I'm not even going to ask if you let the wife drive it, that would be sexist.

Did you get to ski Killington this year? I wish I lived there in Rutland.
K-town is still open and had a great year.

 

No Killington for me - the homeboys are only allowed to ski at Pico...we have to keep Killi clean for our honored guests!!

 

Nowadays, driving a stick shift has become a lost art.

Almost everyday I see people practicing bad techniques such as not coming to a complete stop before shifting, especially when backing up and doing burnouts. Low fluid level, "riding", etc will also shorten the lifespan. If youre not rev matching when you downshift, you are causing excess wear. "Lurching" is never acceptable on the downshift. Thinking you are in a race car is bad as well.

Not saying you do any or all of these, just stating some observations.

Assuming you know how to drive a MT, 100K miles is the minimal amount you should be driving before needing trans. work.

Im at ~55K and my 5 speed shows no appreciable wear.

 

You most certainly can!

 

Basically, that's what the SM said. Said that this wasn't a "sports car" transmission. OK, I replied, so why are you marketing this vehicle to young people who tend to drive "in a spirited fashion"? No answer.

However, my research hasn't turned up a systemic pattern of transmission failures in xBs. Therefore, either 1. my trans was defective, or 2. the driver is defective. I'm trying to determine which.

 

dont feel to bad. my manual trans went bad at 16k miles. the bearings or something went bad in it. warranty covered it though thank god.

 

I also have a 06 xb, and at 30,000 the dealer noticed a leak in the transmission.
they had to remove the transmission from the car to fix it, under warranty...
at 45,000 the charcoal filter went.... out of warranty. $600 to fix.....
looking at hyundai now.....

 

Ouch! That's what I'm afraid of. Guess I need to look at an extended warranty. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I have an 05 manual box and I am on my third clutch. I owned a manual 98 jetta for 3 years. That car did die because there was a small hole between the clutch housing and transmission which leaked fluid everywhere. My original transmission is fine so far... However I just broke 120,000 miles...

 

Well, that's reassuring. I figured I would be replacing the trans with every air filter change. I drove an '84 Jetta for 16 years - one clutch and no trans replacements!

 

every time i drive and slam from 3 to 2 i jam the syncros........and i have 75k on my car.....?

 

Do you get a "gear crunch"? I couldn't prevent it - even rev matching or double-clutching. Weird. I would have thought with all the drifters out there there would be a few war stories...