Syncro shifter question about R & G

[gertiebob]

This has me stymied. My Syncro shifts fine into all gears. However, in R and G, there is a “rubbing” noise as the van moves. Also there is a feeling like the shifter tabs are too tight against the “back” of the R/G lockout plate while in R and G.

So, shifts into R or G fine, stays in gear fine but it just feels (and sounds) wrong. Adjusting away from this makes other gears problematic.

All newish shift linkage parts end to end. Well greased and clean.

Thanks for help.

PS: I do know how to adjust at the spline, etc. I believe all is correctly assembled. …but something is off and I suppose it’s me.

[MarkWard]

Can you temporarily drop the shift rod off the transmission, manually select G or R at the ball lever and see if the noise is present? You can temporarily tie wrap the shift lever up to keep it from dragging. This will isolate the shift mechanism completely. A noise while moving is not a common symptom of a shift linkage adjustment.

[gertiebob]

Never thought of that. I’d need to find an empty parking lot.

However, I will say that if I move the shifter knob to the right while moving, help shifter hop over the lockout while staying in granny, noise disappears.

PS: noise is kind of a shhhhhhhh. Changing with speed while in G and R.

[MarkWard]

From memory Granny and Reverse share the same hub. You maybe applying pressure up front, but it is translating into that hub quieting the assembly. Also, G and R are in a different section of the transaxle. My hope it’s external.

[gertiebob]

Thanks for thoughts Mark. Here’s another clue. Simply pushing down on the shifter knob while G is engaged and car moving quiets the noise.

I would like one day to see a Syncro transmission disassembled to get a better idea how it works. I understand principles and most terms but not how it all works in function.

[4Gears4Tires]

I was having an issue with shifting into R and G and I resolved it by creating a 22mm block of wood and aligning my shifter properly.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[gertiebob]

Mine is currently so aligned. I use the block! Gears engage perfectly. No misalignment, grinding or other issues. Just the shhhhhhh noise and only in R and G.

[dougnlina]

[MarkWard]

This picture seems to help some members. The factory manual is hung up on measuring to the right of the shift tab. The clearance that gets you a better shift is how the l/s tab compares to the above picture. This is a 4 speed in neutral, but it’s the same for a syncro. I can visually hit this point on the splines, but I used to attach a bungee cord to the shift lever and the passenger door pull. I’d slip a quarter between the l/s tab and the shifter box. Tighten the clamp and be done.