This chart is not meant to be complete, or 100% accurate (there are too many variables), but it should give you an idea of what to look for.
| SYMPTOM | Probable Problems / Solution |
| Clutch pedal feels weak/dead. Won’t go into gear easily. | Clutch hydraulics. Replace slave and/or master. Possible pressure plate, but be sure of hydraulics first. |
| Very hard to get into first or reverse. | Check hydraulics first. If was ever accompanied by noise when in gear (pedal on floor) then pilot bearing is not good. If no noise it may still be pilot going bad. |
| Grinds when going up or down in any one gear. | Synchro going bad. Rebuild or replace transmission OR just shift slower and it might last a long time yet. |
| Grinds in shifting pairs – 1st/2nd, or 3rd/4th | Slider hub/shift fork worn out or bent. Rebuild or replace transmission. |
| Bearing or gear noise in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th but gone or very less in 4th. | Bearings are worn out. Rebuild or replace transmission. |
| Rattling/grinding noise when stopped, engine idling, transmission in gear, clutch pedal on the floor. | Pilot bearing is bad if noise stops soon after transmission is put into neutral. |
| Rattling/grinding noise when stopped, engine idling, transmission in neutral, clutch pedal on the floor. | Throw-out bearing is bad if noise stops soon after clutch pedal is let up. Bearings are worn out if noise gets worse when pedal is let up. |
| Metallic “Rumbling” or grinding that increases in frequency / noise level the faster you go. | Probable rear wheel bearing if noise seems to come from back of car. Possible front wheel bearing(s) if noise is from the front. |
| Vibration in drivetrain when starting off in first gear, and decreases once car is moving. | Front U-joint is bad. |
| Vibration in drivetrain that gets considerably worse the faster you go. | Rear U-joint is bad. |
| Vibration in car when not moving that increases / decreases with engine RPM. | Bad transmission mount. |
| Really bad noises from drivetrain that change dramatically between acceleration, light throttle cruise, and deceleration. | Ring and Pinion are bad. The 3rd member must be rebuilt or replaced. |
| With Limited Slip Differentials, a “Chatter” on slow speed acceleration AND turning at the same time. | We usually can cure this by changing the differential oil to a good grade, AND adding the Limited Slip Additive listed in this web section. |