Hi

I'm wondering if any of you can give some advice.

I have a 2003 WRX and noticed a while back that when changing into 5th gear that it sometimes used to catch as it went into gear. I was in need for a new clutch anyway and thought it was probably due to the old clutch wearing out. I've got a new clutch now but the problem's still there. Now nearly every time I get the revs up high changing from 4th to 5th gear it doesn't want to go into 5th.

It also more frequently now doesn't like going into 1st whilst stopped, and pushing the clutch up and down a few times is necessary.
Is the gearbox going?
What alternatives are there to a whole new box?
What's an average price for a new standard box or should I get a reconditioned one or performance one or what?

Thanks for your comments

 

Suggtest you talk to David at
Welcome to the API website

Doubt you need a new box, and the sooner it is fixed the better (read cheaper)

 

As Graham (911) as said, don`t get rushing in to buying a new box, give API a call i`m sure they`ll sort it out for you...could well be the synchro

 

Had the same problem on both my old sti4 and honda integra type r. In both cases, changing the gear oil (castrol syntrax for the scoob) cured the problem.
Some people may argue that if it starts to 'catch' or crunch as you change, then the synchro is on its way out. Maybe so, but my old sti is still going strong with its new owner, some 50000miles after I changed the oil.
The impreza box takes around 4L, so get yourself 5L and do the rear diff at the same time.
You could take it to david at api, but without stripping the box, it will be impossible to diagnose. The gear oil change will cost you £40 and may save you hundreds.

Hope this helps.
Chris

 

I had a similar problem occasionally (after a significant power hike) going from 4th to 5th when pressing on. I assumed the worst, that was about 18 months ago. The car is regularly serviced and I now no longer get the problem despite having even more power now. I'm no expert but perhaps a gearbox oil change has made the difference, it's got to be worth a try as a first step.

 

There you go, another reason why you don't 'have' to give api a call. My washing machine went last week, but I managed to fix it without davids help.

 

Right ok! I will give changing the gearbox oil a go and see if that helps. If that doesn't work than I'll give API a call.

Thanks very much for all your suggestions

 

Exactly the same happening to me on my 03 WRX Wagon.

Powerstation suggested the change of oil to something else other than what they normally put in it.

I have a Warranty still on my car so am going to get the syncro changed by the Subaru dealer i brought the car from. Hopefully they will not screw anything else up.


The change to a better quality oil should do the job for a while though.

Powerstation told me to budget for £4-500 for a box rebuild if the oil change did not work. But it seem to work in most cases, masks the problem while you save up the dosh!!

~£250 to get the box in and out if you are not doing the spannering yourself.

Wanted to go for a power hike to 280BHP but a bit worried the standard box can take it now!!

Are scoobys not over engineered in most respects, or does that exclude the Gearbox!!!

 

The MY01+ 5speed box is supposed to be quite strong. With mechanical sympathy, 330-350lb/ft torque should be ok. Even the clutch seems to last if you treat it with respect.