Save your M5ODR1, M5ODR1HD or M5ODR2 manual transmission
#1
Save your M5ODR1, M5ODR1HD or M5ODR2 manual transmission
The 3 factory rubber plugs for the shift rail holes in the top cover may harden and fall out at higher miles, letting dirt in and fluid out. This is a ticking time bomb for any M5ODR1, M5ODR1HD or M5ODR2 manual transmission. It can be easily corrected by substituting metal core plugs Dorman 555-108 or equivalent. Another method that requires more disassembly is by tapping the holes and installing threaded pipe plugs. Either way, this fix should be a priority for anyone using one of these transmissions.
The original rubber Mazda shift rail plugs that may fall out:
Holes with the Mazda rubber plugs removed:
Dorman 555-108 core plugs installed:
Although it has been mentioned on this forum before, not everyone has heard about this issue. It's important so it needs a thread of its own.
The original rubber Mazda shift rail plugs that may fall out:
Holes with the Mazda rubber plugs removed:
Dorman 555-108 core plugs installed:
Although it has been mentioned on this forum before, not everyone has heard about this issue. It's important so it needs a thread of its own.
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#9
I picked up some freeze plugs to do this "fix" last year but I am having trouble getting them in. What is the best way to do this with the tranny still on the vehicle.
And Bob, you working on a MROD-R2 for the truck? I have a feeling that prompted you to post this up LOL.
Same, they had to drop ship them to me though. $6.50 I think.
NAPA will get them for you as well.
And Bob, you working on a MROD-R2 for the truck? I have a feeling that prompted you to post this up LOL.
Same, they had to drop ship them to me though. $6.50 I think.
NAPA will get them for you as well.
#10
Actually, I started a new thread about the Mazda plugs because there was a question about them buried in another discussion not directly related to this issue. I think it will be good to have the info out there under its own title.
Most chain auto parts stores carry Dorman parts. If you walk in with the Dorman part number and they don't have it, there's a good chance they can order it or cross reference it.
The following users liked this post:
Belacgrebmar (05-29-2021)
#11
Yeah I remember you mentioned you were going to be using an R2 back in my "Manual Transmissions for 5.0"s thread.
Also, can you help me out LOL:
I picked up some freeze plugs to do this "fix" last year but I am having trouble getting them in. What is the best way to do this with the tranny still on the vehicle.
Also, can you help me out LOL:
I picked up some freeze plugs to do this "fix" last year but I am having trouble getting them in. What is the best way to do this with the tranny still on the vehicle.
#12
I have never installed them with the transmission in the vehicle. Have you tried pulling the transmission tunnel cover? If that won't work, maybe it's possible to gain some clearance by dropping the transmission down a little with the crossmember unbolted?
There should be way. If not, then the plugs could be replaced when the tranny is out for the annual clutch and slave replacement.
There should be way. If not, then the plugs could be replaced when the tranny is out for the annual clutch and slave replacement.
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#15
If any oil came out, it would not be enough to make a difference. Possibly a few drops of residual oil that might be present in the rail bores. The plugs are at the top of the transmission.
The following users liked this post:
Belacgrebmar (05-29-2021)
#16
#19
I don't know if they still have the same rubber plugs today but if they do, there isn't much holding them in. I know that the rubber plugs were there as late as 2003 and I wouldn't be surprised if they still are. It's one of those problems that usually happens well out of warranty so it's off of the manufacturer's radar.
#22
I drove to VT a little while ago and could smell oil, didn’t see any dripping under the truck but funny thing was the carpet just behind the trans tunnel cover was wet with an oil substance.
Must be these ports.
Bob, as always thanks for your input, your knowledge and your willingness to share with the site. ltr...
Must be these ports.
Bob, as always thanks for your input, your knowledge and your willingness to share with the site. ltr...
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#24
While you are doing trans work it's not such a bad idea to do this as well:
M5R1 M5R2 Shifter Repair Kit
It's a bushing and boot replacement kit for M5ODR1, M5ODR1HD, and M5ODR2
I got mine on ebay for $16 shipped
I never did figure out how to get the new ones in with the tranny still in. I put the rubber plug back in and called it a day.
M5R1 M5R2 Shifter Repair Kit
It's a bushing and boot replacement kit for M5ODR1, M5ODR1HD, and M5ODR2
I got mine on ebay for $16 shipped
I never did figure out how to get the new ones in with the tranny still in. I put the rubber plug back in and called it a day.
#25
thanks for the tip. Wish I wouldve known about this before i got my new clutch!