Transmission jolt

[The_Beasst]

Hey guys I'm new and I've been looking to replace my '92 WD21 with a used '03 R50, i found one in LA but when i went to check it out today and after looking through for rust and checking the strut housings one issue surfaced, and the issue is that when the AT shifts into reverse it jolts the entire car significantly, it makes you rock a bit inside. Wondering if this is a sign that the tranny is on its way out, or if its just normal.

 

 

here are the detail on the car, 2003 Pathfinder SE 4x4 124,447 miles

 

EDIT: realized i posted this in the wrong subforum, but i supposed the advice would still be the same

Edited September 3, 2011 by The_Beasst

[sewebster]

I'd probably post this in the R50 section... It probably isn't like that from the factory...

[The_Beasst]

i just realized i posted wrong, and i know that it would never come from factory like that, wondering if anyone could have any clue as to what is the cause. A move by the mods would be deeply appreciated.

Edited September 3, 2011 by The_Beasst

[silverton]

A hard shift in an automatic transmission is good, it produces less wear on the internal clutches. But as far as reverse only, I bet the transmission has never been serviced on the vehicle, and it would be a good idea to check the filter and replace if necessary, and drain/refill the fluid. It'd be best to take it to a shop, as the torque converter is very hard to get all the fluid out of without a machine hooked up to the transmission.

[Towncivilian]

I agree with silverton. Instead of taking it to a shop you could do a cooler line flush - disconnect the line leading to the transmission cooler in the radiator, secure it in a collection pan, start the engine, wait for two quarts to drain, stop, fill two quarts through the dipstick, and repeat until you have exchanged the entire capacity of the fluid. A pan drop to change the filter and clean out the pan and magnet of ferrous material is advisable as well.

 

I would think that many transmission problems begin to manifest themselves with the reverse gear as the line pressure required is highest in reverse.

 

It could be something other than the transmission, too - a bad U-joint somewhere, perhaps.

[The_Beasst]

Thanks for the info guys. It's not really that it only happens in reverse, since it's an AT it happens when traveling through reverse to get into the rest of the gears too. I'm looking at buying this car but I'm very wary of this issue. What are your thoughts on it. Worth it or no? Btw where could the bad u joint be?

Edited September 3, 2011 by The_Beasst

[Towncivilian]

The bad u-joint could be at the driveshaft, maybe. Maybe it just needs some grease. Difficult to say without being there.

 

Your best bet would be to check the fluid level & condition via the dipstick first.

 

1. Drive around for 10 minutes in the city after the transmission is at operating temperature.

2. Park on level surface and apply parking brake.

3. With P selected, shift through every gear and return to P.

4. Pull transmission dipstick with engine idling, wipe clean, reinsert completely, pull again, and read level. It must be within the notched areas labeled "HOT". Check for fluid contamination after wiping on a paper towel.

Edited September 3, 2011 by Towncivilian

[adamzan]

That sounds like a bad u joint. My truck used to do this all the time. Especially on cold mornings. Replacing the u-joint at the transmission fixed it. 12 dollar part and about 2 hours of my time.

[The_Beasst]

Any particular brand of U-joint you guys recommend? Or just somewhere to get them. Rather have you guys tell me from experience, than just look for the cheapest one.

[Daddy Rim]

and the issue is that when the AT shifts into reverse it jolts the entire car significantly, it makes you rock a bit inside. Wondering if this is a sign that the tranny is on its way out, or if its just normal.

 

I can tell you that on the wifes R50, We have the same issue. What also happens is that from time to time, the hard shift doens't happen into reverse, and you are left without a reverse gear. You have to play with it a few times to get it to kick into reverse. It's hell when your pulling a trailer. I'm pretty sure its just a sticky valve. Proper maintenance may rectify my problem, not sure about yours.

[johnm]

When I bought my 99 SE a couple years ago, it did the same thing into reverse and the 1st to 2nd shift while driving. The tranny fluid was low. Getting to the proper level helped but still had "hard" shifts, though not jolting. A full flush of the tranny made it better still.

 

There are several TSB's issued by Nissan for the R50 transmissions and transaxle regarding hard shifts, shift flare, and noise. They issued one TSB advising to only use a specific type of tranny fluid.

 

Anyway, my advice would be to check the fluid level and if you decide to buy it, get the tranny flushed before you start thinking about U-Joints and other drive train components.