Maybe a stupid question!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
You should have both hands on the steering wheel unless shifting.
A hand on the shifter may look cool, but there is no reason to drive that way. (assuming your shifter doesn't jump out of gear.)
A hand on the shifter may look cool, but there is no reason to drive that way. (assuming your shifter doesn't jump out of gear.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,502
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
I suspect it's solely for the safety aspect . . I can't imagine there's a potential for damage unless you got jostled and jammed it into reverse on the freeway.
but I've certainly been wrong before . . . .
but I've certainly been wrong before . . . .
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 455
Likes: 49
From: Athens GA
I heard that it was hard on the syncros. It could be an old tale from back before science. I also learned to drive from a guy that only closed doors as hard as necessary, always put the tranny in second before first and first before reverse (I still do this), and would not turn the wheel unless in motion to save his asphalt, tires and steering components.
I also would imagine that the potential for damage depends on how heavy handed you are, and if the shifter is connected directly to the tranny.
................. on second thought, I bet this is a carry over from people that used to rest their arms on the shifter for the three on the tree. That seems like it could be too much pressure for every day driving.
I also would imagine that the potential for damage depends on how heavy handed you are, and if the shifter is connected directly to the tranny.
................. on second thought, I bet this is a carry over from people that used to rest their arms on the shifter for the three on the tree. That seems like it could be too much pressure for every day driving.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 17
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
You know it makes good sense to drive with both hands on the wheel. My issuue is that when you drive in town because you shift so much I find myself with my hand on the shifter quite often. It makes me think of that question so I thought I'd ask. Thanks for your replies I look forward to more reasons.
Last edited by Kj814fun; Jul 10, 2015 at 06:41 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
You know it makes good sense to drive with both hands on the wheel. My issuue is that when you drive in town because you shift so much I find myself with my hand on the shifter quite often. It makes me think of that question so I thought I'd ask. Thanks for your replies I look forward to more reasons.
Driving around in town, you have to shift often with these, since the trans gear ratios are so close.
Leave your hand on the shifter until you're at a speed where you're done shifting... you'll be fine. Been driving sticks for 3 decades, including my C5Z for 13 years. No issues with this type of driving style.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 335
Likes: 34
From: Lincoln Nebraska
I've seen posts that declared resting a hand on the shifter can result in the shifter fork rubbing on the syncro ring, causing premature wear.
No idea if this is true or not, but it has helped me keep my hands on the wheel, except when shifting.
No idea if this is true or not, but it has helped me keep my hands on the wheel, except when shifting.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
If you're "preloading" the shifter in anticipation of the next upshift, then yes... I can see some potential for above-average wear. Resting your hand on the shifter with light/little pressure... I disagree with that notion... but to each his own.
I've yet to break a late model trans or have it develop shifting issues... from T5/T45 in Mustangs, to T56 in my Viper truck, to the TR-based 6-speeds in Vettes.
From a safety issue, if you're racing, you want to complete the upshift/downshift before entering corners, so yeah... you'd want both hands on the wheel anytime you're not getting ready to shift.
I've yet to break a late model trans or have it develop shifting issues... from T5/T45 in Mustangs, to T56 in my Viper truck, to the TR-based 6-speeds in Vettes.
From a safety issue, if you're racing, you want to complete the upshift/downshift before entering corners, so yeah... you'd want both hands on the wheel anytime you're not getting ready to shift.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 122
Likes: 7
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I think it probably was true for most old style gearboxes. The shifter needs it's freedom to go with the flow. Does not want to be tied down.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
I'm not sure it has to do with the tans at all, my son's driving instructor told him both hands on the wheel for better control in case you need to avoid something really quick (car, person and so on)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
The reason you should not do this is because the weight of your hand, and arm, is multiplied due to leverage. This can move the shifter rail slightly off the detent ball which holds the shift and fork in its proper position. The shifter fork fingers are then being rubbed against the rotating synchronizer sleeve (think of placing your thumb and forefinger inside the grooves of a small pulley).
Over time the shift fork fingers and the sleeve will wear down. Once the gap is excessive the force applied to the gearset in question (1/2, 3/4, etc) will try to slide the synchronizer inserts inside the sleeve. There is a point of no-return here and the synchronizer hub/sleeve assembly will then try to place itself in the neutral position; a.k.a jumping out of gear.
I have read some posts about guys cars jumping out of gear. I wonder if they rested on the shifter.
Over time the shift fork fingers and the sleeve will wear down. Once the gap is excessive the force applied to the gearset in question (1/2, 3/4, etc) will try to slide the synchronizer inserts inside the sleeve. There is a point of no-return here and the synchronizer hub/sleeve assembly will then try to place itself in the neutral position; a.k.a jumping out of gear.
I have read some posts about guys cars jumping out of gear. I wonder if they rested on the shifter.
