Possible Solution For Difficulty Getting Into Gear

[Blue Bomber]

I know there are some people here that have been having trouble getting into certain gears, especially 1st from a standstill. The other night, I found out my transmission was squeaking again when I shifted from 1st to 2nd. I solved this problem before by spraying white lithium grease on the shifter linkage in the engine bay.

The thing I didn't remember is how much of a difference it made for shifting! My shifter moves through gears like butter now, almost no resistance whatsoever. Getting into 1st is a breeze, even when the car is moving a few miles an hour. Downshifting is also easier, too. I'm sure not that many people here have sprayed their shifter linkage, so if you're having trouble getting the car into gear in any gear, give this a shot!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid20/p81c06c669fa7161d803648694e17286f/fdb89e06.jpg

The white lithium grease spray is only a few $, and you can find it at any hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). It's safer to use than silicone lubricants (WD-40, etc.) because it won't eat away at any rubber it may come into contact with.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid20/pd03564a442a9af39a725a5f7ddb6c8dc/fdb89da7.jpg

If you don't have an aftermarket intake, the linkage is located right behind the airbox, under the ECU. It's the only large gold thing there, so it's hard to miss. You may need to use one of those thin straws that come with spray lubricants to get down there.

[bug killa]

thanks for the heads up, I'll try it out tonite :)

[jotan82]

wow thanks for the info:thumbup:

i know my friend needs a shot of this... i'll let him know

[WillyK]

Damn I need to try that out. Should I just let it sit after spraying it on or take it out for a drive?

[Blue Bomber]

You can drive the car as soon as you spray it on. You'll feel the difference as soon as you move the shifter into gear.

[WillyK]

Sweet, I am gonna pick some of that stuff up on the way home then.

[ishido]

btw, make sure you move the gear into all positions to get to all parts of the linkage. It's easier to get to from underneath w/ driver plastic removed. Of course that's w/ a non-stock intake.

[WillyK]

Well I am still stock, will I be able to get to it with the airbox in the way?

[Blue Bomber]

Yes, I did it the first time without my intake. You should still be able to see it behind the airbox. If not, use a flashlight. It will still work out just fine.

[bickley]

So should I just spray the whole thing and let it drip off? Just curious, I'm kinda mechanically inept and love to ask questions...not to mention that I don't wanna break anything hehe

[Blue Bomber]

Yeah just spray the hell out of it. I'm not sure if other brands are different, but when I spray the white lithium grease I have, it kinda foams up and stays in one place. It's not a liquid like WD-40.

[WillyK]

Holy sh*t it works!!!!

[ishido]

don't overspray w/ grease... why? cuz oily surfaces attract dirt. That nice smooth feeling now won't feel that great when several months from now it's crusted w/ dirt and grit. Just spray the joints and wipe off any excess. The grease that gets into the pivot points you won't be able to wipe off.

[BRAK]

TY ... well im getting my wisdom teeth pulled tomarow so .. ill be in pain, ill try it friday!
TY very much

nick.:gap: :eek:

[WillyK]

Originally posted by ishido
don't overspray w/ grease... why? cuz oily surfaces attract dirt. That nice smooth feeling now won't feel that great when several months from now it's crusted w/ dirt and grit. Just spray the joints and wipe off any excess. The grease that gets into the pivot points you won't be able to wipe off.

Thanks for telling me now foo!!!! I already did it. It was a pain in the butt to get to it with the damn airbox and all the crap in the way. Ah well, once it gets crusty I'll take care of it.

[Blue Bomber]

I didn't really see any dirt when I resprayed it. It didn't even seem like there was any grease left (which was probably why it started squeaking again). The excess probably just melted off after driving for a while.

[Kry]

thanks i needed this!

[kkrkeith7]

yup, i just did it, feels a lot smoother and easier to get into second gear, now i can hear the grinding better :wiggle:

[AkUmA]

wow, just did the lithuim grease thing, man does it work, smooth as glass. only one bad thing about this, damn straw flew down into the engine... i guess after a few highway runs it will fall out...

thanks blue bomber!:thumbup:

[Blue Bomber]

Originally posted by AkUmA
thanks bat!:thumbup: That's Blue Bomber. :rolleyes:

[AkUmA]

Originally posted by Blue Bomber
That's Blue Bomber. :rolleyes:


shoot!!! i very sorry man, i havent had much sleep. my bad!!!:eek:

[ishido]

Originally posted by BRAK
TY ... well im getting my wisdom teeth pulled tomarow so .. ill be in pain, ill try it friday!


You sissy! I waxed my body kit the 3 hours after I had mine taken out (when it was in pieces in my basement). Then the next day I installed all four pieces (whole front and rear bumper)...
:P What else can you do when you can't eat and you're all drugged up :D

[silverceli2k]

:cool:...nice work.

[djm221]

I preached this over a year ago after they lubed my linkage for the squeaking problem. I also greased the **** at the shifter, under the boot. I don't know if that helped, but it all feels great.
After hearing about how incredible and smooth the S2000 shifter was, I was far from impressed after driving my dad's new S2000 this past weekend. The throws were short, but it was a notchy, if not more, than my lubed shifter. Amazing, the Celica actually "felt" better. Maybe it's because that is what I am used to, but considering the fact that the S2000 can use direct rod linkage instead of the cable links that the Celica uses, I think the Celica's 6spd tranny is a work of art. And while I am at it, as far as driving impressions, the S2000 left alot to be desired. The handling/suspension etc. was phenomenal, made the Celica feel like a Caddy in the turns. But, as far as the engine goes, the S2000 actually felt a little slower and less responsive than my GT-S with CAI/E. The top down thing was damn nice too. I would take the S2000 over the Celica because of the handling and convertable, but for all the hype, I was pretty dissappointed in the S2000. Oh yeah, the clutch sucked big ass too. It was way lighter than the Celica, and I like the clutch to engage right off the floor, much more predictable. But I guess that is more of a getting used to thing; I still prefer the Celica's clutch feel.

[TRD StreetRacing]

HOLY SHHHIT..........this is a must for EVERY ONE!!!!!! it feels so much better and smoother. it definitly made me a much better shifter. I can't wait for my twm shifter to come in next week or so. it's going to be silky smooth!!!!!!

[cooldudez]

rahhhh!!!! i did it!!! thanks man

[Johan]

This thread is useless for the european guy's here.

Remember, you have a different gearbox and are not able to grease it the same way.

Not for flaming, just to warn them.............

[Blue Bomber]

Originally posted by Johan
This thread is useless for the european guy's here.

Remember, you have a different gearbox and are not able to grease it the same way.

Not for flaming, just to warn them............. Interesting. Got any pics?

[spwolf]

Whats different about european gearbox?

[FalGra]

WOOHOO thanks for the tip... oh and 2nd gear grind is so much easier to grind! Seems louder too... dunno.. might just be me... I gotta get them to finally fix that problem!

[Endless]

Thanks Blue Bomber! I just recently installed the TWM SS and is stiff as hell, after spraying this helps alot!

[J3adSeed]

this is awesome. can't wait to do it. i also have the twm and it is stiffer so this'll be nice.

[00CericaRuss]

works great! thanks!

[GTSdriver]

djm221 is right. I remember doing this a long a$$ time ago, felt real slippery at first, almost toyish shifting but after an hour felt smooth and perfect. Only needed it once. Borrow a friend's spray can if possible.

[00CericaRuss]

Originally posted by GTSdriver
Borrow a friend's spray can if possible.

that's exactly what I did :)

[SeanBlader]

Originally posted by Johan
This thread is useless for the european guy's here.

Remember, you have a different gearbox and are not able to grease it the same way.

Not for flaming, just to warn them.............

Um, any transmission shifter linkage would benefit from a good lubrication, and the 5 speed isn't so different from the 6 speed that you can't do the same thing. Now if you have an automatic, then yeah, you can't benefit, but you just have to find a little different lubrication point to help on the 5 speed.

[Humza]

i bought some of that stuff today. I still have the stock airbox in so i think i'll give it another spray when i'm intalling my intake. It works great though. the shifts are alot quicker and easier now.

[TRD StreetRacing]

i spray'd the shifter link'z(the gold thing).......did i do that right cuz it was smooth for the first couple of days but then it got a bit rough again!!:wtc: .....am i suposed to spray the shiiit out of it and then clean the excess???

[TRlPPlN]

yeah..uummm:stupid: ..lol j/p dude. where exactly do i spray that stuff man. i sprayed some not a whole lot. should i just drown that spot with it??

[00CericaRuss]

actually, if you look closely to the mechanics involved, you should spray the spot on the gold thing where it pivots, then the pivots on the arm next to, and behind it... pretty much the parts that move... I'll run outside and take a pic real quick

[sammythebull]

where the pic at?!?!

[00CericaRuss]

here ya go (click for enormous size)
<a href=http://russ.angrypacket.com/gallery/lube-shift-linkage/lubeshiftlinkage?full=1><img src=http://russ.angrypacket.com/albums/lube-shift-linkage/lubeshiftlinkage.sized.jpg width=600 height=450 border=0></a>

[TRlPPlN]

Originally posted by 00CericaRuss
here ya go (click for enormous size)
<a href=http://russ.angrypacket.com/gallery/lube-shift-linkage/lubeshiftlinkage?full=1><img src=http://russ.angrypacket.com/albums/lube-shift-linkage/lubeshiftlinkage.sized.jpg width=600 height=450 border=0></a>


AAAHHH much better. thanks russ ...you rock man. i sprayed some of the joints but with the pic you just posted..**** i missed the good spots..LOL.

BTW...that pic is freakin humongous!!

[00CericaRuss]

no prob man.... I'm just bored at work w/nothing to do, so I thought I'd help out since I have my camera w/me.

and yes... i said it was huge, didn't i?

[Blue Lucifer]

Just did it too. :) Though I ended up scraping a good portion of my skin off of my finger. :( Damn sharp plastic airbox!!

[BumBum]

when I opened up my hood this is what I see - a big box blocking the linkage from me. How do I safely remove it ?? just wanna makes sure I don't damage anything......

thanks

(circled in yellow) :
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid21/p545688639d090ae85b7d991b130a8d02/fdaf9d7f.jpg

[Blue Bomber]

There's two or three clips on the top like the one on the left. Unhook them, then use a screwdriver to remove the clamp around the large intake tube in the upper right. Pull the tube off the airbox, then push the airbox forward, then up to remove it. You may have to take the two hoses off the top of the airbox, too, to get it far enough away to spray in there.

[kabal57]

hey this is just a bit off topic,
but what is the lube stuff that youre supposed to put in when you get a short shifter? is it the same or something?
I got the trd ss and had to use the stock housing, w trd shifter, I didnt have any of the lube to grease up the big ball joint thing in there, the stock housing was fairly greasy, but i'd like to put some more in now that I think about it.

[00CericaRuss]

the stuff that comes w/the trd shortshifter is to lube the ball (ew that sounds nasty) in the actual shift housing (the ball that goes in the white thing inside the car) and maybe just a tad on the bottom of the shift lever (don't wanna get it all over the carpet)

hope that made sense... i'm 1/2 asleep

[kabal57]

Originally posted by 00CericaRuss
here ya go (click for enormous size)
http://russ.angrypacket.com/gallery/lube-shift-linkage/lubeshiftlinkage?full=1><img src=http://russ.angrypacket.com/albums/lube-shift-linkage/lubeshiftlinkage.sized.jpg width=600 height=450

new board code :D
even tho this post is from LAST YEAR, it might come in useful for someone who needs it since the pic still works :D

[00CericaRuss]

like my pics never work ;)

btw.. page 2 :gap:

[SilverGT22]

Great advice, blue...

[Johnny]

Hey instead of using lithium grease try using dry graphite spray. This stuff goes on dry and will not attract dirt and such. Graphite is very slippery and should work just as well.

You can find it in spray cans at hardware and auto parts stores.

J

[Sausage25ca]

OK dumb question but where in Home Depot is the lithium grease contained. I mean is it in the plumbing section? electrical? I was there last night and asked two workers where it was and they had no clue. I walked around the store for half an hour and the only lubricant I found was WD-40 and no lithium grease nearby. I would think it would be in plumbing but I didn't find squat and the people working there are idiots making 8 bucks an hour (no offense to anyone who works there).

[Blue Bomber]

It's usually up by the registers.

[SilverGT22]

Last time I went it was in plumbing. Try checking again.

[Pinchy]

Hey guys,

sorry to bring back old post......

I looked in those places and I see A LOT of sand and dirt.

Should I clean those out with some engine degrease and clean it out with water ?????

Then put the litium grease on it ?????

Thanks for the help...!!

[slidr]

Don't use engine degreaser on rubber mounts.


Just use soap and/or water.

[JohnnyWash1]

I didn't bother cleaning first.

[Tuppuguy]

I just got some white lithium grease today and it says that its extremely flammable and the vapors can cause flash fires. Is this ok?

[Blue Bomber]

Originally posted by Tuppuguy
I just got some white lithium grease today and it says that its extremely flammable and the vapors can cause flash fires. Is this ok? Never had any problems with it.

[Tuppuguy]

Originally posted by Blue Bomber
Never had any problems with it.

Cool. I hope nothing happens. I kinda sprayed alot of it on.

[Blue Bomber]

It can get messy, but that's about it. The stuff in the tube is better though, since the spray will melt off much quicker.

[NoUse4aName]

Just did this today to clear up some squeaking it had developed.

Man, did it ever make the shifting so much smoother.

[Tuppuguy]

drove to work and back. No problems so far. The shifter did seem smoother but still alittle hesitant when in high rpm's and shifting fast. However, thats probally the syncro's. Overall i'm very happy :)

damn... 900 posts!! a few more then i'll be tied with blue :D

[Jun Jun]

Is this the same stuff found in a can.
Called white grease?

[Blue Bomber]

Originally posted by Jun Jun
Is this the same stuff found in a can.
Called white grease? The stuff in the tube is much better. Less messy, and lasts longer.

[Jughead]

What happened to the pictures?

Originally posted by Blue Bomber
I know there are some people here that have been having trouble getting into certain gears, especially 1st from a standstill. The other night, I found out my transmission was squeaking again when I shifted from 1st to 2nd. I solved this problem before by spraying white lithium grease on the shifter linkage in the engine bay.

The thing I didn't remember is how much of a difference it made for shifting! My shifter moves through gears like butter now, almost no resistance whatsoever. Getting into 1st is a breeze, even when the car is moving a few miles an hour. Downshifting is also easier, too. I'm sure not that many people here have sprayed their shifter linkage, so if you're having trouble getting the car into gear in any gear, give this a shot!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid20/p81c06c669fa7161d803648694e17286f/fdb89e06.jpg

The white lithium grease spray is only a few $, and you can find it at any hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). It's safer to use than silicone lubricants (WD-40, etc.) because it won't eat away at any rubber it may come into contact with.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid20/pd03564a442a9af39a725a5f7ddb6c8dc/fdb89da7.jpg

If you don't have an aftermarket intake, the linkage is located right behind the airbox, under the ECU. It's the only large gold thing there, so it's hard to miss. You may need to use one of those thin straws that come with spray lubricants to get down there. :confused:

[hellr]

Originally posted by Jughead
What happened to the pictures?

:confused:

:wtf:

Check the end of the first page.

[Jughead]

Nope, still no pics from blue bomber.

Originally posted by Blue Bomber
I know there are some people here that have been having trouble getting into certain gears, especially 1st from a standstill. The other night, I found out my transmission was squeaking again when I shifted from 1st to 2nd. I solved this problem before by spraying white lithium grease on the shifter linkage in the engine bay.

The thing I didn't remember is how much of a difference it made for shifting! My shifter moves through gears like butter now, almost no resistance whatsoever. Getting into 1st is a breeze, even when the car is moving a few miles an hour. Downshifting is also easier, too. I'm sure not that many people here have sprayed their shifter linkage, so if you're having trouble getting the car into gear in any gear, give this a shot!

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid20/p81c06c669fa7161d803648694e17286f/fdb89e06.jpg

The white lithium grease spray is only a few $, and you can find it at any hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). It's safer to use than silicone lubricants (WD-40, etc.) because it won't eat away at any rubber it may come into contact with.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid20/pd03564a442a9af39a725a5f7ddb6c8dc/fdb89da7.jpg

If you don't have an aftermarket intake, the linkage is located right behind the airbox, under the ECU. It's the only large gold thing there, so it's hard to miss. You may need to use one of those thin straws that come with spray lubricants to get down there.

[Blue Bomber]

Originally posted by Jughead
What happened to the pictures?

:confused: Imagestation > my pics :rolleyes:

Copy the address of the pics into a new browser window and they'll work.

[Yrro]

So, here's a question - since I'm already pulling out my airbox to do this, I was looking at greasing the throwout bearing to fix the constant squeaking noise.

Where in or relative to the pictures is that? Someone in the other thread described it as a squarish boot?

[Blue Bomber]

You can't grease the bearing itself, it's sealed. You need to remove the tranny to replace it.

[MaxximuRage]

where is it on the GT model?

[1006]

This thread is useless for the european guy's here.

Remember, you have a different gearbox and are not able to grease it the same way.

Not for flaming, just to warn them.............

Hey guys,

i have a european car.. is it true i can do it to my car?

[Yrro]

Thanks for the clarification, BB. I think there is a lot of confusion and conflicting advice floating around on this issue.

[Blue Bomber]

where is it on the GT model?
Same as the GT-S.
This thread is useless for the european guy's here.

Remember, you have a different gearbox and are not able to grease it the same way.

Not for flaming, just to warn them.............

Hey guys,

i have a european car.. is it true i can do it to my car?
Yup, you have the same parts, though I'm not sure if they're in a different spot. Just have someone shifting while you look around the engine bay for something moving, and that's what you need to grease.

[wnanna]

Great Thread. I can't wait to try it out.

[1006]

so what did that guy say that the euro cars are different? im soon going to take off my air box, just wanted to know if they are the same or ill have to look in a diff place :)

[Blue Bomber]

They're RHD, so some things are on the opposite side of the engine bay. I can't see the shifter linkage being too far away from the LHD position, though.

[1006]

oh ok, so illhave to look for something golden and spray it all over :) it doesnt have any plastic over it i guess

[blkcelica01]

It's safer to use than silicone lubricants (WD-40, etc.) because it won't eat away at any rubber it may come into contact with.

WD-40 is not a silicone lubricant, it is petroleum based which will eat away rubber, however a silicone lubricant will not and will actually protect rubber.

[richarjp]

bomber i did this today, thanks a ton, helps a bunch, still need 2nd syncros tho

[1006]

does it have to be white lithium spray?

i only found black and silver lithium spray

[richarjp]

i don't think it matters the color, i think it is the lithium teflon compound that matters

[vejita_13]

did this today...freakin awesome. and my shifter's been squeaking for years!

on a side note, i have a sqeaky front passenger side shock/spring thingie (not even sure what to call it). i have kyb agx shocks and tein springs. anything this spray will do for that? or is there something else wrong?

[1006]

i finally found white Lithium BUT grease not spray.. will that do or it has to be foam?

[Blue Bomber]

The spray just makes it easier to get into the mechanism. You can still use grease but you have to work it in by hand.

[getmadboy]

the white lithium spray is also very useful (and i think necessary) when installing a short throw shifter. well, at least i used it during my install...gotta spray my shift cables in the morning...g'nite all!!

[1006]

yes i did find white lithium, but its called white lithium grease (still in a spraycan) is it good for the gears?

[1006]

can i go ahead and buy it? or its not good?

[getmadboy]

same stuff...go for it

[1006]

Thanks ;) will be trying it out today hope i manage to find it on my RHD :)

[bd2003]

Finally got around to doing this today. Its definitely a noticible difference, takes much less effort to move the shifter around, but its still a chunky shifter with the wall of resistance that you have to push through instead of being 100% linear and smooth. Some people like it, some people dont, and Im one of those than just doesnt. This makes it a little more bearable though.

[1006]

I just did the spray today, wow! total difference!, after using it for a while it tends to get hard again, not that hard as it was in the begining, but doesnt remain that smooth and easy to put in