Manually shifting an A4?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 802
Likes: 0
From: Glendora CA
Manually shifting an A4?
Does it hurt the A4 to down shift it manually? I have a habit of slowing down the car by shifting from 3rd to 2nd around 50 mph and back to 3rd after I stop. I have the Transgo kit if that matters.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
Likes: 2,713
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Manually shifting an A4? (jeffh355)
My car has the same tranny and axle as you, but no shift kit. However, I believe that a manual downshift uses full line pressure and would be identical in either car.
Manually downshifting is never GOOD for the tranny, the question is how bad is it? When running on a road course, I will manually downshift 3-2 during the braking zone, at a max of 55 mph. I had my fluid analysed after two sessions, no unusual wear. So I'd say go ahead and do it if you have a need to, such as being in 2 when you hit a corner. But as an everyday technique when coming to a stop, I'd avoid it. Brakes are MUCH cheaper than transmissions, and smoother too.
Someone once posted that the 4-3 downshift uses a different set of clutches, that are not as strong. He suggested avoiding a manual 4-3 shift unless you had a significant need to do so. Personally, I have no knowledge either way on that issue.
Manually downshifting is never GOOD for the tranny, the question is how bad is it? When running on a road course, I will manually downshift 3-2 during the braking zone, at a max of 55 mph. I had my fluid analysed after two sessions, no unusual wear. So I'd say go ahead and do it if you have a need to, such as being in 2 when you hit a corner. But as an everyday technique when coming to a stop, I'd avoid it. Brakes are MUCH cheaper than transmissions, and smoother too.
Someone once posted that the 4-3 downshift uses a different set of clutches, that are not as strong. He suggested avoiding a manual 4-3 shift unless you had a significant need to do so. Personally, I have no knowledge either way on that issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Manually shifting an A4? (jeffh355)
I agree; find something else to do with your hands. The car "knows" when it should shift. My set up is just like yours and I found the Powerloader II to be a great mod that took care of shifting!! :yesnod: :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,015
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
Re: Manually shifting an A4? (carpe dm)
I downshift a lot since the extended warranty covers the transmission. 4-3, 3-2 but rarely 2-1. I'd worry more about the effect of added horsepower and wide open throttle.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: kansas city KS
Re: Manually shifting an A4? (Fast one)
I do it all the time, no noticable damage after 35,000 miles. Usually 3/2 shifts. This is NOT to say there is not some sublte wear and tear going on that will eventually have to be paid for.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 802
Likes: 0
From: Glendora CA
Re: Manually shifting an A4? (cliffkh)
Thanx all for the replies. I took this one step further and talked to a couple Transmission specialists. The guy at the dealer said it "shouldn't" hurt anything given that it's done at a reasonable speed. Than there is the other side of the scale....the AAmco guy who said I have already done major damage and should have them rebuild my trans.....ah....ya'.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Re: Manually shifting an A4? (jeffh355)
I've been driving mine for three summers at Brainerd's 3 mile, 10 turn road course. I manually shift numerous times each lap. I also shift on the street, especially to keep the RPM's in the power zone and I also like the loud noise that my DRM setup makes. With all that shifting, abuse, and 388 rwhp, I have had absolutely no problems or indications of potential issues with my transmission. I am practical and expect that eventually something will happen. I will just rebuild it and have more clutches added. Have fun with your car.
