Weird blocky Shift from 1st to 2nd Gear

[xcx4x]

Hey Everyone,

I "think" my clutch has issues but after searching the forums I don't really know how to define the issue.

So I drew a picture:



So basically when I shift from 1st to 2nd, sometimes I feel like something is in the way. I feel like I have to shift to neutral (pause very quickly), then shift to 2nd, instead of shifting from 1st to 2nd in one fluid motion. It's like there's a block in the way and I have to find that sweet spot where itll go into 2nd.

Also, sometimes, when I shift from 1st to 2nd, I'll feel like I've been blocked from hitting 2nd and end up revving the engine because instead of being in 2nd, I will be in Neutral because I did not shift into 2nd after thinking I did.

From a lot of the issues I've read, most people talk about the clutch slipping but I don't think that is my issue.

-Would you call this a "hard shift"?

-OR am I just pushing TOO far LEFT when I go from 1st to 2nd and running into the area that goes into Reverse? I hope this is the issue because I've only been driving manual for 3 weeks so maybe I'm just not good at it yet?

[keine30]

how many miles are on the car? sounds like your 2nd gear synchros are going out...

[xcx4x]

177388

I was driving it today and it got "better" because I knew the "sweet spot" where I should shift. You guys think this is ok for the time being because I definitely can not afford XXX (whatever it is that I have to replace or fix due to synchros being out)

[keine30]

you would just get a "new" (or good used) transmission if the synchros were the problem. but if you can make it work then there's no reason to jump on replacing such an expensive part if it's not in your budget right now.

for example, reverse is impossible to get into in my car unless you shift through 1st and 2nd first, but i'm not gonna replace the whole transmission just because of one tough shift.

[Wh33lhop]

If you have only been driving manual for a few weeks, this may just be user error combined with old synchros. Have one of your experienced driver friends take it for a spin and tell you what they think. Alternately you may have a bent shift fork internal to the transmission. Either way the fix is just to replace the transmission.

Regardless, if you can't afford or don't want to fix it at the moment, just keep driving around it. My old transmission wouldn't go into 4th unless I took a second or two to shift because the 4th gear synchro was completely shot. Didn't stop me from daily driving it for another year or so and autocrossing it anyway. Eventually I picked up a used trans for $200 and put it in with the new motor.

[FLG]

If you've only been driving stick for 3 weeks, it's probably you not the car and your rushing gears. 1-2 is a bit of a learning curve I feel due to the usual 3.73 diff making first feel like your driving a tractor. When going to second just apply light pressure, when it all lines up it should fall in nicely.

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[xcx4x]

Thanks for the support and input everyone. I feel assured and less stressed because

1. As you have all concluded, if it was an issue, it is definitely something I can live and work with. A fix would be replacing transmission and that is outta my budget, for now.

2. Yes, I am still learning and today it felt much better and I am more confident shifting 1-2.

All in all I think I scared myself reading about all these transmission issues on google. You guys rock!

Thanks again and have a nice day! :D


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[tractioncircle]

I have the exact same problem and its annoying as hell. I've been driving stick shift since last 15 years, so I am certain something is taking a dump in my gear box.

CAtuned in Sacramento sell rebuilt tranny's for 1K. Any one here have any experience with those?

[Poorboyz]

I have the exact same problem and its annoying as hell. I've been driving stick shift since last 15 years, so I am certain something is taking a dump in my gear box.

CAtuned in Sacramento sell rebuilt tranny's for 1K. Any one here have any experience with those?

My buddy just bought one from CATuned. I don't believe they sell rebuilt transmission but they fully inspect them internally and replace items that need to be. If someone was to buy all the parts to rebuild the trans it would cost well over $1000 they are asking. I assume they may change a couple bearings and a synchro or two but it's not a fully rebuilt trans as some might think.

Metric mechanic I believe sells fully rebuilt transmissions.

[tractioncircle]

Just A quick update. I figured my mysterious disappearing brake fluid was leaking out the clutch master cylinder. So I topped the reservoir and now suddenly I can shift 1st to 2nd at 5K rpm (Earlier it wouldn't after 2.5K).

I will keep watching if it gets worse once the fluid level drops again. But looks like this might be the answer to my 1st to 2nd shifting woes!

[FLG]

Just A quick update. I figured my mysterious disappearing brake fluid was leaking out the clutch master cylinder. So I topped the reservoir and now suddenly I can shift 1st to 2nd at 5K rpm (Earlier it wouldn't after 2.5K).

I will keep watching if it gets worse once the fluid level drops again. But looks like this might be the answer to my 1st to 2nd shifting woes!

Don't bother. If it's leaking and it's not the hose that runs to it, it needs replaced.

Replace both the master and the slave, when one goes the other isn't far out.

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[tractioncircle]

Don't bother. If it's leaking and it's not the hose that runs to it, it needs replaced.

Replace both the master and the slave, when one goes the other isn't far out.

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Thanks

I will tear in there this weekend to see exactly whats leaking. I will replace the master and slave as a pair.

[tractioncircle]

Got lucky! The master cylinder was fine, the elbow connector was leaking. Whoever had been in there before had gouged the shit out of the plastic elbow. Got a new connector (Stealer had one piece left for 22$) and put it back on. No more leaks.