Loud grinding/growling noise in 5th gear.

[gv550]

Good afternoon everyone, I’m new here and don’t actually own a Spyder but have several friends that ride and enjoy them. One is a 2012 RT with electric shift with 30,000 miles that has developed a loud grinding noise in 5th gear, there is no such noise in 4th or 3rd at the same road speeds. The noise diminishes somewhat if I back off the throttle so it is load dependant. The front pulley and belt have been removed and inspected, all good including the splined output shaft. The owner is hesitant to take it to a dealer fearing a huge expense and questionable workmanship.
I am a part time motorcycle mechanic and have repaired many bike engines and transmissions but have no experience with the Spyder, my friend has asked me to consider repairing his noisy transmission so I’m asking here if anyone has heard of this problem and the proper fix.
I have the factory service manual and I have been studying it and the parts diagrams, so far the only explanation I have come up with is a failed needle bearing under the 25 tooth gear on the input shaft. I’m obviously open to any other suggestions and experiences.
The manual lists numerous special tools required to remove the engine and split the cases, has anyone else had this engine apart and got by without the BRP tools?
Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.
Garry

 

[CopperSpyder]

Looks like you stumped us with that problem. Just in 5th gear at same speed as 4th. Noise in 5th but not 4th. I can say if it's in the transmission and you have to take it apart you will have a major project on your hand. There are some videos out there of tear down. Just make sure it is the trans first and not harmonic belt vibration or bearings in the rear pulley or wheel. Good Luck with your research and please let us know what you find out. Wonder about right oil and filter combo and filter installed correctly. So I'll be watching this one and learning. opcorn: