Pilot Bearing

[WE3RX7]

How many of you have had to have the pilot bearing replaced in your 8?

I've noticed over the last year that its getting harder to get the 8 into First gear alone. Reverse seems ok for now, but first gear is really sticky.

When I first got the car it had a trans leak. I ended up having to get the dealership to service the transmission and I'm certain they put regular trans fluid back in (I had Redline MT90 synthetic). I noticed when I had the synthetic in, it was a much smoother transmission, and now with the regular stuff in - its stickier and first gear is really hard some times..

I think the fluid is is just a placebo and think the real problem is the pilot bearing and had heard this may be a common issue on the early '04s, etc. Thought I'd see how many of you have had to get it replaced prematurely.