Grabby Clutch?

[MI FR-S]

Despite driving nothing but manual transmissions my whole life, this is my first rwd and first sporty car so I don't know whether this is normal or not:

When I test drove the car the shifting was a bit rough an jerky. Figured it was new car and me not being used to the clutch and it would smooth out after I'd owned it a bit.

Here I am, 2 weeks into ownership and I'm still having trouble smoothing out the shifts. Low speed and low rpm is manageable but anything over 2500 rpm is likely to be difficult.

When I start to bring the clutch pedal off the floor, there is nothing at first and then it will seem like about a 3rd of the total engagement happens almost at once. I then have to wait for a fraction of a second for everything to match speeds before bringing the pedal the rest of the way up (which is then smooth and prgressive)

At higher rpms there will be a noise (muted "thunk") from the rear (presumably the diff?) when the clutch grabs.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[mhigham]

I think you are still getting used to it. The clutch is a pretty good one, so most of what you have learned from other cars is, lets say, off a little. I have driven nothing but manuals (save for a few cars) and they are all different. I almost couldn't drive this car well after getting out of a Focus manual.

The clunk is likely the LSD and maybe a bit of traction control. Nothing to worry about.

Mike

[MI FR-S]

Originally Posted by mhigham

The clunk is likely the LSD and maybe a bit of traction control. Nothing to worry about.

Mike

Not sure about that. I have had the LSD kick in and that was a different noise and feel.

Thanks for the input!

[xn7485]

IMO probably still getting used to it. Try adding a little gas as you let the clutch out.

Also, thread title reminded me of this thread: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8040 where they adjusted the point where clutch grabbed. Instead of "nothing at first," it'll start engaging sooner. Might wanna check that out later.

[gmookher]

mileage?

[MI FR-S]

Originally Posted by xn7485

IMO probably still getting used to it. Try adding a little gas as you let the clutch out.

Also, thread title reminded me of this thread: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8040 where they adjusted the point where clutch grabbed. Instead of "nothing at first," it'll start engaging sooner. Might wanna check that out later.

Gah!
Should have mentioned in the OP that I did the pedal adjustment. Sorry.
And it did help becuase I'm no longer guessing where the Grab will happen

Reluctant to give it more gas because of all the slipping I'm feeling immediately after the first grab.

I sort of have two options right now:
Clutch really slowly and have a smooth shift but feel guilty about all the time being spent on the clutch.

Clutch quickly and have quick shift but it's jerky and feel guilty about all the shock the synchros are dealing with.

Edit: Mileage is 900 ish (first 300 were from the dealership bringing it up from Ohio if that makes a difference)

[gmookher]

your grabby feel will change over the next 4000 miles

[Bg8780]

I've noticed this car doesn't hold the revs very long compared to other car I've driven. It feels like the car rather be shifted quickly.

[Brzce]

Originally Posted by MI FR-S

Despite driving nothing but manual transmissions my whole life, this is my first rwd and first sporty car so I don't know whether this is normal or not:

When I test drove the car the shifting was a bit rough an jerky. Figured it was new car and me not being used to the clutch and it would smooth out after I'd owned it a bit.

Here I am, 2 weeks into ownership and I'm still having trouble smoothing out the shifts. Low speed and low rpm is manageable but anything over 2500 rpm is likely to be difficult.

When I start to bring the clutch pedal off the floor, there is nothing at first and then it will seem like about a 3rd of the total engagement happens almost at once. I then have to wait for a fraction of a second for everything to match speeds before bringing the pedal the rest of the way up (which is then smooth and prgressive)

At higher rpms there will be a noise (muted "thunk") from the rear (presumably the diff?) when the clutch grabs.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Mine had the same thunk in the rear end. I had the dealership change the diff oil and it sounded / felt quite a bit better.

I forgot to ask - where in Michigan are you? Maybe would could drive each others' cars to see if they act the same. I'm in Ann Arbor if you are interested.

[MI FR-S]

Originally Posted by Brzce

I forgot to ask - where in Michigan are you? Maybe would could drive each others' cars to see if they act the same. I'm in Ann Arbor if you are interested.

The grabby clutch does seem to be getting better. Either that or I'm getting more accomplished at dealing with it.

I'll give the Diff a quick look this weekend when I'm doing the first oil change. See if there is anything obviously wrong.

There is a Michigan meet here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21304

[brbrz]

I also have noticed that the RPMs drop off quicker than other cars I have driven. I almost always undershoot the RPMs on the upshift. I also wish the throttle response was a bit better.

I attributed the clunck noise to play n the drive line but I don't know if that is normal. This is my first RWD that wasn't an old truck where everything shook, rattled and on most days rolled.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Bu-Tang]

Originally Posted by brbrz

I also have noticed that the RPMs drop off quicker than other cars I have driven. I almost always undershoot the RPMs on the upshift. I also wish the throttle response was a bit better.

I attributed the clunck noise to play n the drive line but I don't know if that is normal. This is my first RWD that wasn't an old truck where everything shook, rattled and on most days rolled.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I feel the exact same clunk, and also this is play in the drive train, I've had mine tho the dealer 3 times now for the issue, got fed up and I contacted Toyota Canada this week and they are now looking into it.

Thank good I'm not the only one that notices this!