Chrysler 5 Speed Manual Transmissions
From the Everyday Extended K-Car Family Mailing List. It ain't just Reliants!
There were a number of Chrysler five-speed transmissions used in EEK cars. Some, such as the A-568, were assembled by Getrag, but were designed by Chrysler (though they are commonly called "Getrag" transmissions). These were generally used in more demanding (turbo) applications. (Information source: 1987 service manual). Others were assembled by Chrysler itself.
Dan Stern wrote (this is paraphrased from his original message), based on his experience with the A-568 transmission in his 1991 Spirit R/T, ...
One common source of odd noises is the throwout bearing ("clutch release bearing" in official language). They can whine, they can rattle, and they can do like mine did, which was to sound like an old-fashioned ("choo-choo" type) locomotive. They can be noisy with the clutch released, engaged, or both. I don't know for certain, but from appearances, the throwout bearing used in the FWD Chrysler products isn't a tremendously stout piece. (Then again, it could be just that I'm comparing it to the big hefty unit used in RWD Chryslers.)
Fluid choice is VERY important to shift and noise characteristics! In '91, the factory fill and recommended service fill was 5w-30 engine oil. I thought I'd be clever and switch to RedLine MTL...wrong. My A568 hated it. Hard shifting, lots of noise...I got it out of there ASAP and put in Mobil-1 10w-30, which this transmission REALLY likes a lot. [Webmaster note: 5W30 was recommended for all five-speed transmissions available with the Sundance/Shadow/Duster and Neon).
Popped off Shift Cable
Allpar forum member Spyro’s 1986 Aries went into first gear when he tried to reverse; with the engine off, he could shift to all the gears without a problem. Bob Lincoln suggested one of the shift cables had popped off the transmission. “There is a ball-and-socket joint at the end of the shift cables. It should press on with firm effort. If it won't stay on, you can buy metal retaining clips to hold it.”
Article: Inexpensive repair for transmission cable ends.