I have a 1995 Miata 1.8l 73k miles. Car is completely stock. When driving the car no matter how fast or slow I go third gear grinds ONLY when downshifting. Going from 2nd to 3rd gear is fine but going from 4th to 3rd grinds. All other gears are completely fine. Does anyone know anything about this and/or how to fix the problem?

 

If it bothers you that much, get a new transmission. I had a 6 speed that did this in 3rd and 5th and other than being really annoying, it worked fine.

 

you can try changing oil but that alone is 1/5 cost of another 5 speed

 

It doesnt bother me all that much. I was just wondering if there was a simple fix to the problem. But it doesnt bother me anywhere close to replacing the transmission. Thanks for the help

 

I had the same issue. I just bought a new used one.

 

you can tap the gas and rev match the gears or shift very slowly... works on my fwd.

 

That.

 

yup. I had to rev match going from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd in my a4 for the longest time. feels weird not having to do it anymore. but 1st feels notchy on the new transmission...