Help with MT82 noise

[cerbomark]

I have a 2020 with the mt82 and no noises like that, but as some stated, your RPM s seem really low at that point of noise. Did anyone do the obvious and check the fluid level?
does it still make the noise with your hand held on the shifter?

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[NGOT8R]

I do agree that the rpm is too low, thus creating gear rollover nose from lugging. I can and have made my built MT82-D4 produce the exact same noise by lugging it. I did this during testing immediately after the build, when I was looking for and listening for anything that may have been abnormal.

While the bearing inspection at 5600 miles looked weird to me, it never affected operation of the tranny. I do think it could have manifested into something more down the road though.

@ManualMindset have you tried running the gears out (not shifting early) and reevaluating things to see if the noise disappears?

FWIW, I don’t ever shift out of 4th gear in my car when traveling at speeds less than 55-60 mph, unless I’m on the highway. There really is no need to do so at city speed limits.

 

[ManualMindset]

I have a 2020 with the mt82 and no noises like that, but as some stated, your RPM s seem really low at that point of noise. Did anyone do the obvious and check the fluid level?
does it still make the noise with your hand held on the shifter?

Have not changed the fluid yet, I'll do that in spring if I decide not to have the dealer tear it down yet. The noise doesn't go away with pressure on the shifter but I wonder if the noise is being amplified by the MGW shifter? That's why I've been asking others with the noise if they also have a trans mounted shifter.

 

[ManualMindset]

I do agree that the rpm is too low, thus creating gear rollover nose from lugging. I can and have made my built MT82-D4 produce the exact same noise by lugging it. I did this during testing immediately after the build, when I was looking for and listening for anything that may have been abnormal.

While the bearing inspection at 5600 miles looked weird to me, it never affected operation of the tranny. I do think it could have manifested into something more down the road though.

@ManualMindset have you tried running the gears out (not shifting early) and reevaluating things to see if the noise disappears?

FWIW, I don’t ever shift out of 4th gear in my car when traveling at speeds less than 55-60 mph, unless I’m on the highway. There really is no need to do so at city speed limits.

The noise isn't as prominent if I rev it out but the fact it does it until 1900 rpm I also don't feel that the engine is lugging at that point.

 

[Nightmonkey]

@NGOT8R Thank you, that helps me to make a decision to get the gearbox opened.

 

[cerbomark]

The noise isn't as prominent if I rev it out but the fact it does it until 1900 rpm I also don't feel that the engine is lugging at that point.

I m not sure about 1900 in higher gears. I haven t driven my car in a week or two so I can t remember so clearly. 1900 in 4th might still be a lug. Good luck, keep us posted.
If there is an easy way to make sure there s enough fluid in there, I would.

 

[ManualMindset]

@NGOT8R FWIW ChatGPT agrees with you on rollover noise. @cerbomark I think I'll change the fluid and see if it helps. Would rather not have Ford open it up and poke around unless absolutely needed. Thanks for the help.

From ChatGPT:

Yes — gear rollover is common on the MT82-D4 (the 2018+ revision of the Getrag MT82 used in S550 Mustangs).

What “gear rollover” is

Gear rollover is the chatter or rattling noise at idle or low RPM in neutral (clutch engaged) that comes from the natural lash between gears in a manual transmission. It’s not a sign of failure, but more a byproduct of design: the MT82’s wide gear spacing, light flywheel, and relatively stiff clutch/dual-mass flywheel combination don’t absorb as much vibration as some other transmissions.

Why it happens more on the MT82-D4

Lower-mass flywheel: Ford revised to a lighter flywheel for better rev response, but it transmits more torsional vibration into the transmission.

Wide ratio spread (D4 gearset): The changes to gear geometry in 2018 increased efficiency and strength, but made rollover noise a little more pronounced.

Direct-mount shifter: The MT82-D4’s shifter is bolted directly to the case, so noise and vibration travel straight into the cabin instead of being damped by a remote linkage.


When to worry vs. when it’s normal

Normal: light chatter in neutral at idle, goes away when clutch is pressed, no grinding or difficulty shifting.

Concerning: loud clunks during gear changes, grinding into gears, difficulty staying in gear, or noise that gets worse under load. Those point to wear (synchros, bearings, or clutch issues) rather than harmless rollover.


A lot of MT82-D4 owners notice it even on brand-new cars — it’s often considered “a characteristic of the transmission.”

 

[cerbomark]

5.0 s and the mt82 s certainly have their share of what Ford calls " characteristic of the ...." LOL

 

[ManualMindset]

When I worked for Hyundai we called it TMDT, this model does that.

 

[wingss]

Do you also have a trans mounted shifter? I had my local dealer listen to my video and they suspect flywheel or input shaft. They also informed me the clutch is not considered a powertrain item and is not a warranty item after 3/36. I'm torn if I should let them tear it down or ride it and see what happens as I have powertrain till 12/27 and I'll be paying out of pocket anyway to do the clutch when it comes apart.

Yes, I have the MGW short shifter as well. I personally suspect its the input shaft or a bearing. I am going to try to push ford to fix it before my warranty is up as I really have nothing to lose by trying. So far I am not convinced this is a normal sound.

 

[NGOT8R]

Here’s a good demonstration of gear rollover noise. Although a T56 is used for the demonstration, this applies to all manual transmissions. Some just may be more pronounced than others.

 

[ManualMindset]

Yes, I have the MGW short shifter as well. I personally suspect its the input shaft or a bearing. I am going to try to push ford to fix it before my warranty is up as I really have nothing to lose by trying. So far I am not convinced this is a normal sound.

I don't blame you for pushing Ford I would as well if I were almost out of warranty. The shop forman from my local dealer said his gut was the flywheel as he has heard them make some strange noises. He also said step one would be drain the fluid and check for metal. Please let me know the end result because if they do fix it on yours I would be more inclined to have mine torn down.

 

[wingss]

I don't blame you for pushing Ford I would as well if I were almost out of warranty. The shop forman from my local dealer said his gut was the flywheel as he has heard them make some strange noises. He also said step one would be drain the fluid and check for metal. Please let me know the end result because if they do fix it on yours I would be more inclined to have mine torn down.

Mine might actually be a bit worse than yours. Also worth noting that my car had a rebuilt Calimer MT82 trans in it when I bought it. I get the same exact scraping/grinding noise at low rpm, but also mine just makes a low volume metallic jingle/rattle noise all the time when in gear. It still shifts smooth and goes into all the gears fine, so I can see the noise at low RPM being gear rollover or whatever, but I suspect I still have a bad bearing somewhere or possibly a bad input shaft. I'm going to try to get ford to fix it Monday, so we shall see what they say/do. I suspect they will try to tell me its normal and to keep driving on it, but I'm going to press the issue and hopefully get them to give me something in writing at least guaranteeing the noise won't lead to a catastrophic failure in the near future at the very least if they refuse to work on it while I am still under warranty. I would be beyond pissed if the trans gives out right after the warranty runs out.

Edit: Also, if ford won't work on it, my next step will probably be to change the trans fluid to BG syncro shift 2 and see if that helps at all. Also going to make sure there is no metal shavings or anything in the fluid I drain from it. I read some good reviews on the BG syncro shift 2 fluid and it sounds like an avenue worth pursuing.

 

[ManualMindset]

Mine might actually be a bit worse than yours. I get the same exact scraping/grinding noise at low rpm, but also mine just makes a low volume metallic jingle/rattle noise all the time when in gear. It still shifts smooth and goes into all the gears fine, so I can see the noise at low RPM being gear rollover or whatever, but I suspect I still have a bad bearing somewhere or possibly a bad input shaft. I'm going to try to get ford to fix it Monday, so we shall see what they say/do. I suspect they will try to tell me its normal and to keep driving on it, but I'm going to press the issue and hopefully get them to give me something in writing at least guaranteeing the noise won't lead to a catastrophic failure in the near future at the very least if they refuse to work on it while I am still under warranty. I would be beyond pissed if the trans gives out right after the warranty runs out.

If the dealer doesn't want to touch it call the Ford customer service number and have a case started so if it does fail shortly after warranty it's already documented at the corporate level would be my suggestion.

 

[wingss]

If the dealer doesn't want to touch it call the Ford customer service number and have a case started so if it does fail shortly after warranty it's already documented at the corporate level would be my suggestion.

That's a great idea. I'll definitely do that if the dealership won't touch it. I'll update this thread with whatever happens regardless, hopefully we will find out exactly what the issue is if there actually is one.

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