Pilot Bearing

[WE3RX7]

How many of you have had to have the pilot bearing replaced in your 8?

I've noticed over the last year that its getting harder to get the 8 into First gear alone. Reverse seems ok for now, but first gear is really sticky.

When I first got the car it had a trans leak. I ended up having to get the dealership to service the transmission and I'm certain they put regular trans fluid back in (I had Redline MT90 synthetic). I noticed when I had the synthetic in, it was a much smoother transmission, and now with the regular stuff in - its stickier and first gear is really hard some times..

I think the fluid is is just a placebo and think the real problem is the pilot bearing and had heard this may be a common issue on the early '04s, etc. Thought I'd see how many of you have had to get it replaced prematurely.

[sumdeus]

My 07 has had no problems, still very smooth. Though I am looking at getting the Axial shifter.

[mfisher12]

i have had a couple of leaky slave master cylinders in the past...they are usually an internal leak. look at you're brake fluid reservior and see if it is low...also pull back the boot on the slave cylinder to see if any fluid is in there....it should be dry

[WE3RX7]

Thats a good point, I'll check that out. The brake fluid level isn't low currently as I just checked it. I'm also doing a brake job this week, so I'll verify it all then. The 8 has been parked since last week due to weather so I will take a peak, lol..