1st to 2nd Gear Clunk (Searched, but not the same issue as the other ones)

[shu5892001]

Hi guys,

Please note that I have searched and it is not the same issue discuss in other 2nd gear problem threads.

I have changed the transmission fluid and the issue remains, so it probably is not the fluid's problem. I have tried OEM, Motul and Amsoil.

I have added Perrin transmission mount and whiteline shifter bushing, it did not help the problem or worsen the problem.

My 2nd gear is not hard to go into when cold, I have no problem going into 2nd when my car is cold. It's just when I shift from 1st to 2nd, I can almost feel from the gear lever that it hit something and made a clunk sound.

It is also not like the grinding gear sound when shifting a gear and a clutch is not depressed completely.

While this happens 100% when the car is cold, and up to 15-20 min after, it also happens randomly when the car is up to temperate.

I also realize if I shift early, say around 2.5k - 3k, this happens more often. If I shift say around >4K, it doesn't happen as much.

So some of the difference I see with the other 2nd gear problem:
my problem doesn't really go away that quick after car warms up, usually 20 min later, and happens randomly thereafter. Also my 2nd gear is not hard to go into, even when very cold.

I was wondering if anyone has similar problem or if this is normal. I also have Perrin transmission mount and whiteline shifter bushing so I am not sure if I should go to dealer or if the dealer gonna blame on those parts.

Your feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Shu

[shu5892001]

I think I might of posted in the wrong section... can mods move this to the proper section?

Thanks

[moK]

Exact same thing here, with the clunk sound and the mechanical feeling of pushing something out of the way before it completely goes into gear.

[infinite012]

Maybe the reverse lock out plate underneath the shifter is out of alignment? I'm just throwing an idea out there.

[Rayme]

Sounds like everything is fine. These transmission are clunky compared to most rubbery one out there.

[whaap]

Like @infinite012 I'm also just grabbing at straws. Are you shifting too fast and forcing it?

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by whaap

Like @infinite012 I'm also just grabbing at straws. Are you shifting too fast and forcing it?

I am not shifting fast by any means, if I shift super slow and super gentle, the clunk becomes super gentle and I can also feel from the shift leaver that I have hit something very slowly and gently as well, but the feel is still there none the less..

[radroach]

I get second gear clunk too, but sometimes I think it's because I wasn't engaging the clutch at the shift point correctly, keeping the rpm connected via clutch and speed balanced, etc. That is, if I misshift as a slow mph 1st to 2nd gear near in between 7mph I'll hear an audible click from the drivetrain that you can hear outside the vehicle.

That is, going gentle as you say, I think the problem is that the motion was "too gentle" and didn't start engaging the clutch soon enough at the smooth 2nd gear shift when the engine is at idle, below 10mph and rolling motion. Keeping the momentum and the right inertial points and timing that the engine and trans synchronization to clutch and drive train engagement.

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by radroach

I get second gear clunk too, but sometimes I think it's because I wasn't engaging the clutch at the shift point correctly, keeping the rpm connected via clutch and speed balanced, etc. That is, if I misshift as a slow mph 1st to 2nd gear near in between 7mph I'll hear an audible click from the drivetrain.

That is, going gentle as you say, I think the problem is that your motion was "too gentle" and you didn't start to engage the clutch soon enough at the 2nd gear smooth shift when the engine is at idle, below 10mph and rolling motion. Keeping the momentum and the right inertial points and timing that the engine and trans synchronization to clutch and drive train engagement.

That sounded so complicated LOL

[LeeMaster]

It takes practice to make it perfect, I stored my car throughout the entire winter and have driven my 5spd impreza. Just a couple days ago I took my BRZ out of hibernation and had to make a few adjustments going into gear.

Another thing you want to do to lighten that "pull" is to get a lighter flywheel/pulley. The rotational mass is very hard from that 1st to 2nd gear shifting it drives me insane sometimes.

[radroach]

A cluch pedal adjustment is highly recommended if you have too much slack on your leg movement btw. I took mine to a tuner shop and he adjusted for a closer comfortable and easier engagement because I have longer legs.

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by radroach

I get second gear clunk too, but sometimes I think it's because I wasn't engaging the clutch at the shift point correctly, keeping the rpm connected via clutch and speed balanced, etc. That is, if I misshift as a slow mph 1st to 2nd gear near in between 7mph I'll hear an audible click from the drivetrain that you can hear outside the vehicle.

That is, going gentle as you say, I think the problem is that the motion was "too gentle" and didn't start engaging the clutch soon enough at the smooth 2nd gear shift when the engine is at idle, below 10mph and rolling motion. Keeping the momentum and the right inertial points and timing that the engine and trans synchronization to clutch and drive train engagement.

Thanks for the advice, now I understand what you mean. I rarely got any clunks on the drive home today from work. I basically wasn't doing fast enough before, I had some delay between clutch pedal and shifting movement. Now that I tried shifting from 1st to 2nd immediately after pressing down the clutch, I rarely get any clunks or noise.

[radroach]

Originally Posted by shu5892001

Thanks for the advice, now I understand what you mean. I rarely got any clunks on the drive home today from work. I basically wasn't doing fast enough before, I had some delay between clutch pedal and shifting movement. Now that I tried shifting from 1st to 2nd immediately after pressing down the clutch, I rarely get any clunks or noise.

Good job, it's important to remember that even when your shifting is more leisurely in traffic there is a certain amount of urgency in the drivetrain that you need to keep connected at the right timings.

[FRiSson]

The "clunk" is annoying. The dealer told me that it had something to do with the way that synchros are built in a transmission for RWD. My FWD Honda transmission was so much smoother.