NV3550 sound

[Kenneth G Zinis]

I've heard the NV3550 is characteristically noisey, not a trouble issue, just some sound.
What are the typical noises like, what speed does it occur, what gear, sound character, etc?
Mine sounds a little like clutch chatter when starting in 1st, usually just after clutch release, then it stops.
Are heavier than spec oils useful in quieting these?
I'm running Redline MTL

Thanks

 

[LieutenantJohnson]

that trans and the NSG370 is noisy. Usually throwout bearing noise and or gear noise. Just get used to it

 

[Wtrask]

Mine has made noise since I bought it brand new especially after a long drive it really growls in neutral. I got used to that what I can’t get used to is the damn synchros. I’m going to try red line MTL people seem to love it.

 

[Rubicon88]

I've heard the NV3550 is characteristically noisey, not a trouble issue, just some sound.
What are the typical noises like, what speed does it occur, what gear, sound character, etc?
Mine sounds a little like clutch chatter when starting in 1st, usually just after clutch release, then it stops.
Are heavier than spec oils useful in quieting these?
I'm running Redline MTL

Thanks

Mine has made noise since I bought it brand new especially after a long drive it really growls in neutral. I got used to that what I can’t get used to is the damn synchros. I’m going to try red line MTL people seem to love it.

The NV3550 is a noisy sumbitch.

Is there anything wrong with it other than noise?

@Wtrask
"I’m going to try red line MTL people seem to love it"

There are also many who had no change or worse results using Redline.

#1 if you've a bunch of miles on the tranny and no fluid change...any fresh fluid/lube will help.

#2 at the shop here i can tell you the last three instances of using Redline.
First was no change whatsoever.
Second was a change for the good but the fluid had never been changed in over 120k.
Third the tranny got worse by being more notchy than before.

 

[Kenneth G Zinis]

Mine has made noise since I bought it brand new especially after a long drive it really growls in neutral. I got used to that what I can’t get used to is the damn synchros. I’m going to try red line MTL people seem to love it.

What's issue w syncros? I changed to MTL and feels it's a little smoother, not dramatic, but an improvement. I just wanted fresh oil not knowing what PO did. Mine has B&M short shift kit, from PO, took a bit to get used to, gate is very narrow

 

[Kenneth G Zinis]

The NV3550 is a noisy sumbitch.

Is there anything wrong with it other than noise?

@Wtrask
"I’m going to try red line MTL people seem to love it"

There are also many who had no change or worse results using Redline.

#1 if you've a bunch of miles on the tranny and no fluid change...any fresh fluid/lube will help.

#2 at the shop here i can tell you the last three instances of using Redline.
First was no change whatsoever.
Second was a change for the good but the fluid had never been changed in over 120k.
Third the tranny got worse by being more notchy than before.

Hi, no issues really at all, just curious where noise comes from and easy ways to reduce if possible. When I changed to MTL, got slightly smoother. My rig has 80k, '03 Rubi

 

[Rubicon88]

Hi, no issues really at all, just curious where noise comes from and easy ways to reduce if possible. When I changed to MTL, got slightly smoother. My rig has 80k, '03 Rubi

And that's the thing...
Would genuine fresh fluid from mopar have done the same? Probably.

Without being there to hear it..throwout bearings make a racket too...

I will tell you this... the NV3550 while noisier than the others IMO is a tough S.O.B.
I'd take it over the AX-15...and honestly take either of those over the NSG370.

 

[Kenneth G Zinis]

And that's the thing...
Would genuine fresh fluid from mopar have done the same? Probably.

Without being there to hear it..throwout bearings make a racket too...

I will tell you this... the NV3550 while noisier than the others IMO is a tough S.O.B.
I'd take it over the AX-15...and honestly take either of those over the NSG370.

I know, it feels rock solid!

 

[Superjay5]

Mine makes at racket in neutral and the clutch out, throw out bearing…. Other then that it’s quiet.

I did change my fluid to redline. It did smooth out the shifting a little. It wasn’t bad before the fluid change, but it did make a noticeable change. As mentioned above not sure if the redline helped or just the new fluid.

mines been making the throw out bearing noise since I bought it about 60,000 miles ago… I’ve thought about changing it out, but seems so common that I suspect a new bearing will do the same in short order

 

[Nomader]

Just did full luk clutch kit in my 04 everything including master and slave. My throw out bearing still makes noise. I figure it's normal.

 

[bromel]

Mine makes at racket in neutral and the clutch out, throw out bearing…. Other then that it’s quiet.

I did change my fluid to redline. It did smooth out the shifting a little. It wasn’t bad before the fluid change, but it did make a noticeable change. As mentioned above not sure if the redline helped or just the new fluid.

mines been making the throw out bearing noise since I bought it about 60,000 miles ago… I’ve thought about changing it out, but seems so common that I suspect a new bearing will do the same in short order

That noise is not the throwout bearing. The throwout bearing is only engaged when you press down on the clutch and the TOB contacts the pressure plate to separate the clutch disc and flywheel. When it goes bad, you hear a screeching sound when pushing down on the clutch; otherwise it's not spinning.

The racket in neutral is just typical gear rattle that you hear because the TJ has no soundproofing, and also because the NV3550 is a noisy sumbitch.

 

[brewtus98]

Changed mine to Redline MTL with about 11k on the odometer. I have noise clutch out and goes away with clutch in. It sounds just like input shaft bearing rolling along. Wasn't notchy or hard shifting prior to change from factory fill, but definitely better when colder outside now. Just living with the noise. Have to assume it has been that way since new with so few miles on it.

 

[ColoJeep]

I have both 5 spds. AX-15 and the NV 3550. The NV 3550 IS a noisy sum bitch! It does have a lower first gear then the AX-15,
But then makes up for that with a reverse ratio set up for Bonneville. It's Normal for what it is.
The Aisin trans is much smoother and quieter, and I suspect it will be around long after the 3550.
They served Toyota and Jeep well for many years.
The switch from the AX-15 to the NV 3550 was likely a cost saving move, not increased durability .
Kind of like changing out the Saginaw Steering box out for the made in India "Mercedes " box.
Funny how the "big bore " steering builders don't make a kit to put the "Mercedes " box into the earlier jeeps.
Just crank up the radio before you start up the TJ!

 

[Superjay5]

That noise is not the throwout bearing. The throwout bearing is only engaged when you press down on the clutch and the TOB contacts the pressure plate to separate the clutch disc and flywheel. When it goes bad, you hear a screeching sound when pushing down on the clutch; otherwise it's not spinning.

The racket in neutral is just typical gear rattle that you hear because the TJ has no soundproofing, and also because the NV3550 is a noisy sumbitch.

I assumed with no load on the bearing with the clutch out that it allowed the TOB to rattle around like crazy. With a load it quiets down. But yes it should not be spinning with it in neutral… hmmmm. I assumed wrong, just sounds like a bearing noise. It’s loud regardless