04 Vibe Manual Transmission problem. options?

[cbrf1wr]

Hey everyone, Guess what my 04 107K miles 5 speed Vibe started loud noise in 2nd and 3rd. Getting worst now as well noise in 4rth just not as bad. I parked it and am exploring my options. Don't want to put much money in this thing. I just replaced clutch about 3K miles ago for $950. Read around the net and this seems to be a well known prob with the Vibe and Matrix. Tranny's with bad bearings that fail. What would my cheapest option be for this if anyone has any experience with the problem? Car is still running just scared to drive it with all the noise from the tranny. Also read someone was trying to start a class action on this problem as well. Anyone know any details?

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by cbrf1wr » What would my cheapest option be for this Cheapest would be to buy new bearings and fix it yourself. That being said, it's a lot of work to rebuild a tranny.See what they have at the boneyard.

[joatmon]

That sucks.I don't know how you'd prove it, but the timing is odd. 3K miles after having the clutch replaced, replacing the cllutch requires pulling the tranny, what if the shop that replaced the clutch either used the wrong fluid, didn't use any fluid, or damaged a seal causing whatever fluid they did put in leak out. If that tranny is dry, then the clutch shop killed it and should make it right.Or it could be just that you are another "Toyota quality" satisfied customer (like me), and need to look for a fix. I bought one from a wrecked corolla. A local tranny sho[ (just a couple of guys, not a big chain) said they could have replaced the bearings in it for me for less money. Hope I don't have to make that decision again.Unless there are other things wrong with the car, from an economics standpoint, it is worth fixing. Keep us posted

[lovemyraffe]

True, cheapest would be to do it yourself but I would not recommend trying to rebuild a transmission unless you know what you are doing.

[cbrf1wr]

Sucks is right. I thought the 03 models were the only ones with this issue. After searching around the web 04's 05's and some people with 06's have reported failures. Great car up until this happened. Guess I will check out the local PickNPull. Anyone know what Transmission's are compatible? I assume Corrolla just don't know what years cross over. I will call around to some local tranny places and get some prices an a rebuild as well.

[cbrf1wr]

I Guess I owe Toyota an apology on this one. I took the Vibe to my dad's home garage where I change the oil in it and found the issue. The garage that changed the clutch forgot to tighten the drain plug on the Tranny when they drained and re-added fluid. I'm almost as mad at myself as I am them. Just after they put in the clutch about 2K miles ago I changed the engine oil, but did not check the Tranny drain plug. It was fine then and showed no sign of leaking. I guess it just took those 2K miles to finally work itself out of the hole enough to leak the oil down. Now for the fun part getting the garage to own up to this and make it right. My best hope is the tranny is not damaged and they can just refill with fluid. Will see.