Just installed Steeda Tri-Ax shifter but sounds like wind noise coming from shifter?

Quebec88LX · 05-06-2002

Good morning guys,

Here is my problem. I have an LX 88, all stock with a regular T5.

I got the car less the a year ago, and until yesterday, there was nothing beyond the stock H-Pipe..... no muffler, no nothing, so the car was VERY loud. Since the 1988 recall on the stock H-Pipe had never been done on the car, I whent to Ford and they intalled a brand new H-Pipe (stock). At the same time I got them to install a set of stock muffler that I bought used.

The car is now very quiet (compared to what I had). I can now here a noise coming from the shifter. I know it can't be a wind noise, but it sounds just like it.... and it comes from the shifter. It very noticable on 1-2-3, but barely in 4-5. and it goes up with the engine RPM. It's even there when I rev when stoped.

Another thing that you need to know is that two weeks ago I changed my transmision oil, I put in Mobile Dextron ATF Synthetic. And last weekend I installed a Steeda Tri-Ax shifter.

Is this sound normal, was I just not earing it because of the loud exhause noise? Is it the transmission that is missing oil? Is there a way to not properly install a shifter?

This weekend I'll be veryfing the transmission oil level. But other the that I don't have a clue.....

Please tell me what you think........

Vortex · 05-06-2002

With the Tri-Ax, you will hear a lil more noise and feel a lil more vibration but thats just the penalty for a better shifter. depending on how loud is how i would say to diagnose it. It could be just the gears in the tranny are old and make a lot of noise that wasnt noticable with the shifter and no exhaust.. If it revs when stopped, are you sure its not like electronic interference coming thru your speakers? bad speaks, spark plug wires, or non resistance spark plugs could cause that.
just my educated "shot in the dark"

Quebec88LX · 05-06-2002

Thanks for your response......

I'ts definatly comming from the shifter/transmisson...... I made shure it wasn't interferance.

btw.... when I installed my tri-ax, I didn't intall the rubber boot that was fitted directly to the stock shifter. I installed the one that is screwed to the floor though. Is it a big thing?

Vortex · 05-06-2002

Not a BIG thing, no. That keeps heat and air noise out. so if you get excessive of either of those, you might want to put it in. My next step would be check the tranny fluid level, If its ok, then you might want to put something just a tad thicker in it, it might quiet it up. If so, you got gear issues, but in neutral at a stop, I would have to say .... input shaft bearing? release bearing? loose idler gear? without going thru it piece by piece its hard to say....

Quebec88LX · 05-08-2002

I was told to add something to my trans oil to make it a bit thinker?

What's your opinion on that? Any suggestion on what to add. I currently have Mobile Dextron III ATF.....

GTRaptor · 05-08-2002

Keep it with III ATF, no need to add friction modifiers.

As Vortex said, probably the input shaft bearing, but dont worry, its probably normal wear. T5s are pretty noisy in that area.

**ScottHalliday** · 05-08-2002

I'm with GTraptor on this one. Forget about adding any additional friction modifiers. Definately not needed.

Steven · 05-08-2002

How can it be the tranny if it happens when you rev it when the car is stopped. My car makes a windy noise like you are describing and it is coming from my intake, it is the sound of air being drawn into the engine.

Quebec88LX · 05-09-2002

"Steven" The sound definitly comes from the shifter/tranny..... Even when stoped there are some gears that are turning.....

Thansk guys I realy appreciate your help.

Steven · 05-09-2002

Oh I though I didnt know if you had the clutch in or not sorry