how to remedy grinding while shifting

[Alex718]

I have heard that polyurethan bushings for the shift assembly ang getting a heavier shift knobs helps. If anyone has any feedback let me know I am trying to get a 2nd gen gsx, but it will be my first manual car and I want to avoid grinding gears but still want to drive aggresively.

 

[90GSX]

How to avoid grinding/notchy gears in a DSM: Leave it in neutral.

Actually, I had no luck with the urethane bushings. I bought a set of Steel bushings that hold the shifter base very rigid. I suggest them highly.

Probably the most overlooked key to decent shifting is proper adjustment of the shifter cable length.

 

[98RedGs]

how do you adjust the shifter cable link?

and those urethane bushing arent that good to have?

where did you happen to get your metal bushing from?

 

[Turbo Guru]

Metal bushings for shifter --> http://www.machv.com/symshifkit1.html

 

[90GSX]

Here's the shifter adjustment vfaq

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/shifter3.html

 

[sparrow]

yes, metal washers work just as well as the "machined precision" kits.

that page 90gsx gave is probably your best reference

 

[OMN_DSM]

I think alot aof DSMer's mistake thier grinding problems as being tranny related when it is actually clutch assy. related. I could explain but there is excellent info at taboospeedshop.com and TRE's cluch adjustment info at teamrip.com . Hope this info helps.

Mike

 

[98RedGs]

any pages for newer model cars?
97-99 Eclipse GS?
they should all be the same but someone tell me what can make my shifting better?

 

[OMN_DSM]

We all wish we could just tell you how to make your car shift better, but there are so many components just to make the car shift it is a little to broad of a question.

Mike

 

[Taboo]

Originally posted by Alex718
I have heard that polyurethan bushings for the shift assembly ang getting a heavier shift knobs helps. If anyone has any feedback let me know I am trying to get a 2nd gen gsx, but it will be my first manual car and I want to avoid grinding gears but still want to drive aggresively.

Gear grinding is generally related only to three separate problems:

1) Incompletely disengaging clutch
2) Worn synchros
3) "Loose" tranny (for high RPM shifts)

To remedy an incompletely disengaging clutch, a simple adjustment of the master cylinder rod and inspection of the entire hydraulic system (and optionally bleeding it) should be the first step. 2G cars don't suffer from worn clutch levers reducing the master cylinder throw since the piston rod of the master cylinder is attached straight to the clutch pedal. If the clutch itself proves to be the problem due to fatigue of the diaphragm of the pressure plate or excessive flywheel wear, the clutch should be replaced and the pivot bolt of the clutch fork shimmed if the pressure plate installation surface had to be machined to achieve correct step height of 0.610".

If the clutch fully disengages between last 1/2 and 1/4 of the clutch pedal travel and the grinding persists, grinding at any RPM range generally indicates worn synchros. Grinding at high RPM might be caused by the tranny being too "loose" while being kept spun by the interia of the clutch disc even when fully disengaged. Replacing the fluid with BG Synchroshift might reduce the grinding and prolong the life of the synchros, otherwise the synchros need to be replaced and the tranny correctly shimmed by experienced tranny shop.

Shift knobs or shifter assembly washers/bushings will result in firmer feel of the shifter, but have nothing to do with the grinding. same with the shifter cables. If adjusted incorrectly, the shift forks will either not fully engage (and the gears are going to be poping out) or - if the shifter stops are not set correctly - one will over-extend the shifter throw and ends up breaking the shifting forks when banging the gears in.

 

[Alex718]

Good looks for all the info hopefully by the time i get my gsx, I will be informed enough to do most basic work by myself.

 

[2GeNTSi]

I seemed to have found a way to keep it from grinding going into 2nd gear. If I was to take it out of 1st and pull it down until it's on its way to 2nd but in neutral and hold it there for a sec before putting into 2nd, it won't grind. I experimented with this in higher rpms and it works for my car. I'm a n00b when it comes to cars but if it were my synchros, would it grind even though I wasn't moving and I put it in 2nd? Because sometimes it will do so. Another way it'll go into 2nd without grinding is if I slow down enough to do so.