Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 15, 2003 | 04:14 PM

Jim85IROC

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 5,297

Likes: 0

From: Stamford VT

Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift

I test drove a 91 today, and when I downshifted from 2nd to 1st, it would grind and not go into gear unless I double-clutched it. Some cars don't like you downshifting into 1st when you're going over 2 mph, other cars seem to be ok. I don't recall the other C4s that I drove doing this, so it has me concerned.

So... for all you 6 speed guys out there, what does yours do?

The car only has 38k miles on it and appears to be well cared for. All of the other gears were as smooth as can be, which is why the 1st gear thing boggles me.

Mar 15, 2003 | 07:44 PM

kittmaster

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 13,717

Likes: 5

From: RI

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (Jim85IROC)

I can dump into 1st at 20MPH with no grind whatso ever. Most people won't go into first above 10 which is usually acceptable. It sounds like the 1st/2nd gear sychronizer ring is damaged or severly worn. Indicator of being driven hard. I would make sure a rebuild is done before signing on the dotted line.

kitt

Mar 15, 2003 | 10:09 PM

Aaron71771

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 6,376

Likes: 21

From: Traverse City MI

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (Jim85IROC)

Definetly not normal. I would see if it will be fixed, otheriwse they better take $2000 off that price.

Mar 15, 2003 | 10:54 PM

BIG JIM 54

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 871

Likes: 0

From: Costa Mesa CA

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (Jim85IROC)

Yeah, one of these four or any combination there of.

Worn syncros
Worn shift fork
Linkage needs adjusting
Clutch not disengaging all the way

All the above are signs of abuse in varies degrees for such a low mileage car, IMO.

BIG JIM

Mar 15, 2003 | 11:06 PM

Jim85IROC

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 5,297

Likes: 0

From: Stamford VT

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (BIG JIM 54)

That's what I was afraid of. It just boggles me that it's 1st gear. That seems so unlikely. What sucks is that if I get them to fix it, there's no way I'm going to be able to haggle on the price. :nonod:

Mar 16, 2003 | 12:26 AM

NightRyder

Pro

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 515

Likes: 0

From: Everett WA

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (Jim85IROC)

heh heh, then.. heres what you do...
haggle on the price first.. duh... :D

Mar 16, 2003 | 05:43 PM

Strick

Race Director

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 11,672

Likes: 20

From: Lake Wylie SC

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (Jim85IROC)

Well, sounds like you need to make a choice. Can you remove the tranny and have it fixed? If so, you can haggle allot! If he fixes it, it may be a rush half a__ job, and you loose some barginning power. I bought my Vette from a guy who works in the Chevy dealer, here, and he replaced the clutch. What I got was a car with broken bolts on the exhaust and wiring that was not put back in its original routing. I'd have been better off doing it my self. But if you are not in a position to replace the tranny yourself, look for another Vette. I would guess that this one has a history not to your liking.

Strick :steering:

Mar 16, 2003 | 07:57 PM

Jim85IROC

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 5,297

Likes: 0

From: Stamford VT

Re: Grinding on 2nd to 1st downshift (Strick)

I'm perfectly capable of pulling the trans, and probably of replacing the synchros myself. I haven't been inside of a ZF, but it can't be all that different from a T5.

But what I'm worried about is that this "mystery problem" will be news to the dealer and he won't budge on the price because he can just sell it to somebody that won't notice the problem. Not a lot of people downshift into 1st gear. I guess I'll see tomorrow when I talk to him.