Piston Slap: And the Best Tranny is . . .

Jim from Regina, Saskatchewan, asks:

Automatic transmissions obviously require some upkeep to keep them in good condition. What about manual transmissions? What sort of maintenance needs to be performed on them, if any, to maximize their life? Is the reliability of them higher enough that more drivers should be considering them? I’ve owned five cars with manual transmissions (transaxles really), and only one of them ever gave me trouble. It was a 1990 Hyundai Excel (I can see the readers’ eyes rolling already). With almost 190,000 km on the clock, it became impossible to downshift into second without double clutching. I have learned enough about manual trannies since then to think that it was probably a failed synchro, and my mechanic’s advice at the time (“Live with it.”) was probably good, considering the likely cost of correcting it and the value of the car.

I drive manuals because I like the control, and the lower purchase cost is a bonus, but I imagine in my head that I’m going to get a longer service life, too. I wonder how accurate my assessment is.

Sajeev answers:

There are some durable automatic transmissions/axles that only need regular fluid changes to last 200k miles or more, easily outlasting the owner’s interest in the vehicle. But considering the lower price point, less complicated internals and (YMMV) fuel economy benefit, I am inclined to agree with you.

Bonus! A Piston Slap Nugget of Wisdom:

Who says TTAC doesn’t give GM credit when it’s due? I’ve personally seen GM’s “Synchromesh” fluid work wonders on GM, Ford, BMW and Nissan gearboxes, turning hard-to-shift cogs into child’s play. I wouldn’t be surprised if Synchromesh would’ve fixed that Hyundai’s worn out synchros, too. And at $15-ish a quart, you won’t break the bank saving an old tranny.