5-speed crunches or grinds into 3rd as the synchro wears
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What causes "5-speed crunches or grinds into 3rd as the synchro wears" on the Subaru WRX and STI (GE/GH/GR/GV, 2008-2014), and how is it fixed?
One Subaru parts retailer says worn 3rd-gear synchros cause the crunch and sells Subaru's double-cone 3-piece synchro for MY08+ 5-speeds. Fix: Replace the 3rd-gear synchro during a gearbox rebuild (see F-gr-16 for the retailer's part numbers by build date).
Symptoms
Crunching or grinding when shifting into 3rd.
Cause
One Subaru parts retailer says worn 3rd-gear synchros cause the crunch and sells Subaru's double-cone 3-piece synchro for MY08+ 5-speeds.
Fix (summary)
Replace the 3rd-gear synchro during a gearbox rebuild (see F-gr-16 for the retailer's part numbers by build date). Single retailer source.
Related parts
Related build entries
Other GE/GH/GR/GV problems
- Recalls 14V-311 and 14V-830: brake lines can corrode (salt states)
- Recall 19V-149: brake light switch can fail (2008-14 sedans incl. STI)
- Recall 19V-297: replacement ignition switch can slip to ACC
- Takata passenger air bag inflator recalls (2008-14)
- EJ255/EJ257 ringland failure from detonation
More for this car
- All Subaru WRX and STI (GE/GH/GR/GV, 2008-2014) fitment answers · GE/GH/GR/GV common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- Subaru Genuine 3rd Synchronizer 5MT MY08+ — Rallispec (Subaru parts retailer) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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