Anyone feel like they have a clunky gear change?

[Haseebali31]

I'm new to driving manual but I feel like I've gotten it down pretty well.

My only problem is that I feel my gear change is clunky. Even when fully stopped and my clutch is all the way in, changing gears isn't completely smooth. (no gas just clutch in and moving the shifter) I don't know if I just need a transmission fluid change or a new clutch. Does anyone else have this issue?

[Summerwolf]

This is a known issue with multiple threads on it.


Generally people suggest swapping to motul 300 non LS. Otherwise do some research on google using "FRS gear clunk" or "Transmission shifting clunky, FRS" just some keywords like that and google search does wonders.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by Haseebali31

I'm new to driving manual but I feel like I've gotten it down pretty well.

My only problem is that I feel my gear change is clunky. Even when fully stopped and my clutch is all the way in, changing gears isn't completely smooth. (no gas just clutch in and moving the shifter) I don't know if I just need a transmission fluid change or a new clutch. Does anyone else have this issue?

I've noticed that the FRS manual trans is by far one of the worst trans I have ever driven.. I've had multiple problems with my trans so far and most of the dealerships will deem them "normal". Check out all the threads where people have discussed trying to make the trans shifting feel better just type what you want to look up in google then "ft86club.com" after it. For example; "improving shifter feel ft86club.com" or "notchy shifter ft86club.com"

[Tcoat]

These cars are a direct link from shifter to the gears and you feel the shift. Most modern cars (especially FWD) use a shit load of cables, rods and linkages and you simply do not feel the change since they take up all the movement.
They are not "bad", "broken" or in any other way inferior. All cars used to have this feel to them but guys that think of vehicles from the 90s as old school just have never experienced it.
People say they like MT for the "feels" and then worry or complain when they actually feel something. You want smooth shift feels go buy something with a bunch of linkage and fool yourself that it is shifting "smoother".


OK over to all those self proclaimed experts that have "drove MT for a full two years now" are going to explain to me why I am wrong.

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

These cars are a direct link from shifter to the gears and you feel the shift. Most modern cars (especially FWD) use a shit load of cables, rods and linkages and you simply do not feel the change since they take up all the movement.
They are not "bad", "broken" or in any other way inferior. All cars used to have this feel to them but guys that think of vehicles from the 90s as old school just have never experienced it.
People say they like MT for the "feels" and then worry or complain when they actually feel something. You want smooth shift feels go buy something with a bunch of linkage and fool yourself that it is shifting "smoother".


OK over to all those self proclaimed experts that have "drove MT for a full two years now" are going to explain to me why I am wrong.

You're wrong because this is the internet and all transmissions should be amazing and my 20k car isn't a 60k bmw!

[ZionsWrath]

Isn't the smoothest and I cringe with a lot of my 2-3 shift but it hasnt blown up yet. High RPM shifts always seem smoother than daily driver shifts at ~3-4k RPM. Almost 40,000 miles with a decent amount of HPDE days on it. I run Motul gear 300 also

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Haseebali31

I'm new to driving manual but I feel like I've gotten it down pretty well.

My only problem is that I feel my gear change is clunky.

Hello Haseebali31 and welcome to ....... The Forum .........

I suggest you read @Tcoat s response carefully.

Now, you aren't the only one who feels this way, so there is a good chance there isn't anything wrong with your transmission, nor are you doing anything "wrong".

Several folks have changed the transmission oil and noticed a positive change.

Also, keep in mind your transmission is relatively new, and will get smoother as it ages.

You do know, a warm FR-S transmission is a happier transmission.

Here is my prescription:

I would suggest that when shifting, wind up the last gear pretty tight (4-5,000 rpms) (after the engine has warmed up) before shifting into the next higher gear.

Also, when shifting, pull (or push) the shift lever slowly and firmly into the next gear.

It's not a toggle switch ..... the lever is moving heavy transmission parts.

I suggest you NOT "lazy leg" it ……. be sure to push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor.


humfrz

[zberz]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Hello Haseebali31 and welcome to ....... The Forum .........

I suggest you read @Tcoat s response carefully.

Now, you aren't the only one who feels this way, so there is a good chance there isn't anything wrong with your transmission, nor are you doing anything "wrong".

Several folks have changed the transmission oil and noticed a positive change.

Also, keep in mind your transmission is relatively new, and will get smoother as it ages.

You do know, a warm FR-S transmission is a happier transmission.

Here is my prescription:

I would suggest that when shifting, wind up the last gear pretty tight (4-5,000 rpms) (after the engine has warmed up) before shifting into the next higher gear.

Also, when shifting, pull (or push) the shift lever slowly and firmly into the next gear.

It's not a toggle switch ..... the lever is moving heavy transmission parts.

I suggest you NOT "lazy leg" it ……. be sure to push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor.


humfrz

This.

sent from my phone using black magic

[Haseebali31]

Originally Posted by Summerwolf

This is a known issue with multiple threads on it.


Generally people suggest swapping to motul 300 non LS. Otherwise do some research on google using "FRS gear clunk" or "Transmission shifting clunky, FRS" just some keywords like that and google search does wonders.

I have looked into motul 300 but transmission fluid changes are so freaking expensive. Next paycheck hopefully!

[Haseebali31]

Originally Posted by MisterSheep

I've noticed that the FRS manual trans is by far one of the worst trans I have ever driven.. I've had multiple problems with my trans so far and most of the dealerships will deem them "normal". Check out all the threads where people have discussed trying to make the trans shifting feel better just type what you want to look up in google then "ft86club.com" after it. For example; "improving shifter feel ft86club.com" or "notchy shifter ft86club.com"

I will do that! Considering its my first manual I have no experience with other manual cars so maybe its normal to feel this...

[Haseebali31]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

These cars are a direct link from shifter to the gears and you feel the shift. Most modern cars (especially FWD) use a shit load of cables, rods and linkages and you simply do not feel the change since they take up all the movement.
They are not "bad", "broken" or in any other way inferior. All cars used to have this feel to them but guys that think of vehicles from the 90s as old school just have never experienced it.
People say they like MT for the "feels" and then worry or complain when they actually feel something. You want smooth shift feels go buy something with a bunch of linkage and fool yourself that it is shifting "smoother".


OK over to all those self proclaimed experts that have "drove MT for a full two years now" are going to explain to me why I am wrong.

In other words, I have nothing to worry about?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Haseebali31

In other words, I have nothing to worry about?

Exactly! Just don't believe everything you read on here. each little foible of the car is not a huge issue. Many of the things are just the way it is.

[SubaruLifer]

Originally Posted by Haseebali31

I have looked into motul 300 but transmission fluid changes are so freaking expensive. Next paycheck hopefully!

Pretty easy to do yourself if you have a jack and stands (or a lift if you're fancy like that). DIY guides are available on here; just a search away.

[RichardsFRS]

My 13 does it from time to time. Usually first and second. I wouldn't sweat it, because its a complaint of all manual twins. As Tcoat said, you will feel and hear everything even things you don't want to feel; in this car. Every snap clunk pop tick click clank crunk and crank, because the car is a sports car, and it has no lining under the interior panels, and you will soon find out its a beautiful thing to tuned into your car like that