My old 87 accord just started to make this weird sound when I step on the brakes and the car starts to slow down.
I mean it starts fine, I can put it into gear (automatic) and accelerate with no problems. It's when I start to apply the brakes to slow down that I hear this awful sound like something is trying to engage with something else that is already spinning at a fast rate. Like a Zzzzzzzzzzzz.
With my backyard mechanic skills I thought 'possibly' it's the starter somehow re-engaging with the flywheel. Plus it's something I could change myself so I tried that by swapping in one from a Wrecker but same problem.
Now I'm starting to think maybe a transmission problem of some sort?
I'll likely end up taking it into a mechanic to see if they can diagnose it but any ideas?

 

This morning it didn't want to go into R and then it kind of slammed into gear. While driving when I take my foot off the gas is when I start to hear the 'buzzing sound' and then I can't accelerate anymore and I have to apply the brakes to slow down before I can step on the gas again. It's at the mechanic's now so we'll see what he says.

 

I'm just deliberating over what can or should be done now.
The mechanic gave me an estimate of $500 to $700 to swap out the transmission (he hadn't actually sourced one yet) but sounds about right as I found one at a wrecker for $250 plus $400 to do the swap.
That's probably more than the car is worth so I'm just wondering if it is something I could tackle.
Hard to answer that I know not knowing my 'DIY skills'.
I've replaced starters, alternators, done brakes and had a friend help me rebuild my old Mazda 626's engine after it blew the head gasket a few years ago but never a big job like this. My thoughts were I'd try and find out how much work is involved (if I need special tools etc.) and then decide from there.

 

From the sounds of what you have done automotive-wise, I think you could do a tranny swap. They really aren't that difficult. I would suggest if you are doing it though, you might as well get new clutch kit (pressure plate, throw-out bearing, clutch plate etc). It would be silly to be in there an not put in the new components.

The only tools you will need are the typical garage tools (a good set of wrenches, sockets, and a good floor jack). Make sure to support the car on jackstands but try to get it relatively high as you will want the clearance under the car to slide the transmission out. You will need the floor jack to support the transmission. You will also need another jack (I used the scissor jack that came with the car for this) and a flat peice of wood to support the engine itself, (usually under the oil pan but make sure you have a nice flat surface like a board under it to distribute the weight and not damage the pan).

I say go for it. Good luck!

 

Hmm MsRae,

It's an automatic and front wheel drive. I was under the impression that many of these need to have the engine out to change transmision?

Pretty sure you'll need to pull the 1/2 shafts(?) as well?

Well mbjb, lets see what a Pro who's done this before says.

To me, $400-500 for an trans swap on this car seems pretty cheap.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think if I had the time and a better garage setup I'd attempt this but it is getting colder up North where I live and I can just picture the car torn apart in the driveway over the winter. If this was spring/summer I'd have more 'zest' to do this.
I'll check back on this post later to see if anyone puts there 'professional' spin on the process...

 

Sorry, my bad. Didn't notice it was an auto. I don't know if you have to pull the engine to do a swap on an auto. You don't on a manual - just have to lift it.

And yes, you have to pull the half shafts. I guess my explaination was a bit underdone. Sorry. It can be done with the basic tools however. You will want to have a good manual to use with step by step instructions if you do decide to go for it.

It may be worth it to have a shop do it. It will take them less time, and I know sometimes time can be more valuable than money.