My transmission might be going!, Its really hard to getting it into 5th gear....*CRAP* Options

[king_wsk]

My car was leaking a bunch of fluid when I got it back from the transmission shop to have my clutch installed. At first I thought it was engine oil, but after figured out it wasn't that, I just thought it was some extra oil or something (really didn't know).

Now I think it might have been transmission oil. My transmission is making some whining sounds and shifts are getting harder. Do they normally drain transmission fluid when replacing a clutch? I didn't think that was necessary. Should I just take it in for a transmission fluid flush?

It jsut started like 2 days ago, but when I go to put it in 5th, the shifter is really stiff and when I force it, it sorta catches, but as soon as I let go of the clutch, it starts to grab but then the shifter moves back to neutral. I was able to get it to catch a few times, but it whines like a mofo....

How can I check the fluid myself? What else could it be? Please help!

[king_wsk]

Also, its pretty tough to get it into Reverse. But its been like that for over a year now.

[jcbass7]

Also check your clutch pedal freeplay etc. if your pedal needs adjustment you may not be depressing the clutch all the way when pushing in the pedal. I had this problem on my car. After adjusting the pedal the clutch disengaged completly and the shifter wasn't stiff anymore! Also check your tranny fluid level, yes when you do a clutch you drain the fluid, because you have to take out the axles, unless they can do it without removing the axles..?

[domyz]

no, to access to the clutch, you have to remove the axles, and the 5sfe tranny, this one especially,
lose all tranny fluid when you remove the axles. this is a bitch, but it is very tough, i can confirm it to you, my 3sgte RC is not able to push her out;)

[king_wsk]

So after taking a look at it myself, I found that I was missing the Fill Plug on the transmission!!!!! It must have came off or the ****ers at the tranny shop didn't put it back on. I was riding around without gear oil for about 3 weeks!

I wasn't able to find another plug at autozone/pep boys/kragen so I improvised and used a wine bottle cork!

But basically after putting 2.5L of Syncromesh oil in and corking it, the car has been running like a dream since.

Lesson learned, if you see oil, bitch at the tranny shop. I'll be raising hell later with them when I actually get a chance to take it in.