hard to hit second gear

[AlekTSI]

Hey guys I've been having a hard time hitting second gear at high RPMs. anybody know what I can do to make easier shifts?

 

[jrohner]

That's a common issue with these cars. Your 2nd gear syncro or 1-2 slider is probably worn. If you grind into gear even a couple times it can wreck the teeth on the slider. They are supposed to come to a sharp point to shift easily, but they get worn flat easily. It's not hard to pull the transmission apart and fix it.

If you haven't switched to the syncromesh transmission oil yet, do it. It may help considerably. You can get it at the parts department of a GM dealership. The part number is 12345349. Pennzoil also makes it, but is hard to find (at least where I am).

Also, make sure your clutch disengages correctly. Push the clutch in, put the transmission in 1st gear and rev the engine (up to the rpm you shift at), if the car starts to move, it's either not adjusted right or you slave or master cylinder are bad.

I see you run a 16G turbo, if you are trying to shift at any higher than 7 grand, forget it because you probably don't have power at that high of an rpm anyways. If your 1-2 shift is ok at 6500, shift at that rpm instead -- it most likely won't hurt your acceleration anyways.

 

[mattdev]

It's also a VERY common problem with ACT clutches. Almost every ACT I've heard of drags at high rpm's. It's pretty much inevitable and un-curable. I have to shift at 6500 out of 1st gear so it doesn't drag.

If it isn't dragging at super high rpm's (6500) you might want to look into master cylinder adjustment, but other than that... shift lower out of first.

 

[AlekTSI]

I just replaced the slave cylinder a few weeks ago. sometimes when i shift into first from neutral it grinds a little bit. anybody know what thats about?

 

[Freeze]

Shep Trans

 

[jrohner]

I just replaced the slave cylinder a few weeks ago. sometimes when i shift into first from neutral it grinds a little bit. anybody know what thats about?

Does it grind going to reverse also? If so, I would bet that it's improper adjustment or your master cylinder. If you master cylinder doesn't leak, then it's probably just adjusted wrong.

First, make sure the pedal stop at the top of the pedal travel is adjusted as high as possible so you can get as much pedal movement as you can. Then adjust your clutch (lengthen the rod going from the master to the pedal) higher until you cannot push the slave cylinder rod in easily by hand, then adjust the master cylinder rod back in until you can (1/4 round or so at a time). What I do is then turn it in another 1/4 turn to be sure, because you don't want it adjusted up too high since then your clutch can 'pump up' and make it slip.

You should feel a very slight play at the top of the pedal, and then it should start pushing the slave cylinder rod out. If you get it adjusted and your clutch doesn't disengage before you get the pedal close to the floor, something is wrong.

 

[jrohner]

Shep Trans

Not even a shep trans will shift decent if the clutch isn't working properly

 

[Freeze]

i know this but i was just throwing that out there

 

[mattdev]

I'm willing to bet its Master Cylinder adjustment, here's a video for you...


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My clutch stared doing this, the engagement was at the FLOOR for years, now it's perfect (thanks to this video).

 

[thom2white]

I know the possiblities for mechanical failure are pretty great, but I have found that sliding your seat forward, (more so that normal driving) helps. Basically speeds up your clutch work. I'm running a short throw shifter and have had the same problems. This weekend at the track though, she was sticking 7000rpm shift (1st to 2nd) great. Just my .02

Thomas