Alfa Romeo Repair: 2002 Spider 5 speed gearbox, speed gearbox, synthetic 75w

Question
Stephen, I purchased a 2002 Spider Veloce 2.0L 5 speed with 25000kms. It now has 30000kms and has developed a crunch when going into 4th, both up and down. When done slowly, it goes in smoothly and does not do it when cold. Seems like synchro rings, but I am not experienced in this area.  Would appreciate your thoughts and idea of extent of repairs if necessary.
Thanks for your time, Ross G.

Answer
Check the fluid level, this symptom usually indicates a low fluid level causing one or more hub bushings to start to seize.

If the fluid level is low. Jack up the vehicle so it is level with driving wheels off the ground. Drain the trans. and refill with ATF then start engine and drive through the gears and leave the trans in the problem gear for at least 5 mins.
When you not longer get the crunch drain and refill with a synthetic 75W-90 oil.

It would be unusual for higher gear synchos to fail before the first and second gear synchros  and that is why I have given the above suggestion.