Clunking gears when shifting?

[hmkk]

I've been experiencing this more as of now, I have about 7k on the car. When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear about 9/10ths of the time it feels like the gears are I guess, dry as oppose to smooth transition? I can feel and hear the sound of gears or metal grinding/rubbing as Im shifting from 1st to 2nd. Im not sure if its just me or whats going on, maybe I shift at too high of rpms? (around 2.5-3k). Another thing is that I experience shifting problems when going into third gear as well, I always have the clutch depressed all the way when shifting but somehow the gears still grind as I'm shifting into 3rd from 2nd just for a split moment it shakes the shift knob. I need some advice on why or how this is happening just before hitting the dealership once again.

Thanks in advance.

[DoomsdayJesus]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...t=transmission
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47531

There's about 20 more threads, too. Long story short, have the dealer document the problem and perform a transmission flush. Don't pay for anything under any circumstance. Get ready for some new tranny ass pain, too. You may also want to hold off on ANY performance upgrades until the dealer resolves the issue as well, lest you get blamed for abuse/modification like I did after adding aftermarket tails and hood struts.

[wheelhaus]

It's possible you're just feeling the triple cone synchros on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, they're supposed to be far more robust than standard synchros but can feel less smooth. This transmission has a direct mechanical linkage (no cables or odd linkages to soften the feedback) so more of the mechanical feel comes through to the stick.

If it feels like notchy mechanical feedback, instead of a smooth bump, it's somewhat normal. If you're feeling a real grind, like the synchros will not engage and the stick vibrates and doesn't want to quickly engage the gear and it sounds awful, you might have issues and should pursue the warranty route ASAP. Read through the above threads DJ linked, and see if anything applies to you.

Also, you can shift at any rpm you like, but I've noticed (2nd and 3rd mostly) feel more notchy from slow shifts at low-med rpm under 4k.

Try shifting quickly at high rpm (above 5k) and see if it feels any different.

[Norton 850]

First, this is a very common complaint about the AISIN gear box installed in the BRZ/FRS. In my mind it's totally unacceptable and should be fixed or the gear box replaced at the manufacturer's expense.

I've driven over a dozen cars with manual transmissions including: Jaguar, Triumph, MG, Corvette, Audi and many more. None have shifted as poorly as the AISIN box in my BRZ. Replacing the factory fluid with a lower viscosity fluid helped, but did not totally solve the problem. Also, double-clutching the 1st to 2nd gear shift eliminates the balkiness, but it's merely a work-around to a problem we should not have to deal with. Plus, when the time comes, it's going to be tough to sell this car with its poorly shifting gear box.

I recommend that you take your car to the dealer to get the gear box replaced (they won't spend time trying to repair it and probably don't know how). I'm waiting for the right opportunity to take mine in to get replaced.

Again, this gear box problem is inexcusable and collectively we should not accept it.

[Shawnofthedead]

I've been experiencing a similar grind down shifting. I had it flushed by my buddy at his shop we drove it and the problem still continued. So it is defenatly a gear box synchros ordeal looks like ill have to use my warrenty for a new tranny haha