Well, I just recently purchased a 1999 FRC. Mileage is 89K. I feel like I may be experiencing some issues with 1st and Rev, which I hear is common. Mainly tough to put into gear, and from time to time it pops out. It may be user error. I also feel like take off isnt as smooth as it should be, some minor chatter but nothing major. I don't feel any slippage, no wierd noises and so forth. The car is 100% stock, 1 owner. I don't think that within 89K miles, that the clutch is done, but I could be wrong.

My plan for next weekend is to change the clutch fluid, and trans fluid, install short throw.

Is there any other drivetrain maint. that should be done before I decide to take it to a tranny shop for there opinion. I want to knock out all the small things before I dig deeper.

Also, what fluids do you suggest for both clutch and trans.

Thanks guys!

 

I upgraded to a Synthetic ATF and it made a big difference in shift quality.

Check the TWO rubber bushings that mount the shift box to the torque tube. If they are worn it can cause your issue.

There were some forum members who used a rubber grommet for a replacement bushing as there are no OEM replacements.. Some aftermarket shifters come with new ones.

ZO6 cars have solid aluminum bushings:




BC

 

I think that Bill has given you good initial advise. Pretty inexpensive, do it yourself type of repair to start your diagnosis. Probably would not hurt to change this fluid anyway, just to be on the safer side.

It "could" be the clutch, mileage is NEVER a real indicator of clutch-wear, rather the life it has led.

Might also be syncros showing some wear, but again, with 90K, should not be an issue with "normal" driving.

It "might" be a mis-aligned shifter, easily fixed with adjusting (or simply tightening) the shifter plate on the torque-tube. Again, very easy to do with normal hand tools.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Both my 97 and 03 manuals had a tendency toward gear clash going into first and reverse and they wouldn't always go completely into gear. Then if the clutch was let out it would pop out of gear with lots of gear crunching noises. I solved this by slowly releasing the clutch as I pushed the shifter into gear. If the gears were riding on top of each other instead of being meshed I would feel the shifter move slightly forward and the transmission drop into gear as the clutch started turning the input shaft. This action became second nature to me and I drove both cars that way for years. Transmission was never removed in either car.

Bill

 

Here's the link to align the shifter box:

http://rpmtransmissions.com/files/c5...adjustment.pdf

 

This works well for me.

Shift into 1st just before you stop (5-8mph).

That said, I still fail to fully engage 1st from time to time when I'm not paying attention

 

changing the transmission fluid was all i needed to fix the problem. went with a synthetic oil and it shifts very well, almost like a different car.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I will dig into it this weekend and let you know how things work out!

Also, I hear there are issues with certain fluids ruining the paper blockers that are found in early models. Would royal purple be acceptable to run? Or am I wasting money?

 

Last September I bought a '99 coupe in similar condition (76k, stock, no clutch slippage at all) and it is doing almost the exact same thing. I've changed my driving habits up a bit and as Bill Dearborn said, to get it into gear I just let the clutch out until it pops in and then go from there. When I have the time I'll probably try some of the above fixes but I am definitely interested to know what you find. Keep us informed. Rob

 

This winter I'm changing out all the fluids on my '01. Was not having any issues but didn't know what had been done previously and wanted to see if the old fluids looked right for the mileage (21K).

I put Royal Purple Max ATF in the trans. The first time I drove it I noticed no difference in the shift quality (shift quality was good before the change). The second time, prior to driving it, I moved it outside in the sunshine for about 2 hours and the temp was 30 degrees (my shop is kept at 50 during the winter). When I finally took it out on the road I noticed when I shifted into 3rd I got a little subtle grind ( a tooth or two) until it warmed up and then everything back to normal. I don't normally drive it in these temps so I figure the fluid is a little stiff from sitting out there but I'll continue to monitor it. By the way, my understanding is that Royal Purple is okay for paper blocker rings if yours is so equipped.

I changed the clutch fluid using the Ranger method and replaced that with GM's Brake & Clutch Fluid. When I started to pump the clutch pedal as per the procedure, I got the dreaded squeak after about 20 pumps and it would not go away. I then repeated the procedure using GM Delco Supreme 11 Brake Fluid (straight DOT3 stuff), took it out for a drive and the squeak was gone when I came back and has not retured since. Clutch fluid is still clean and clutch operation is great.