Shift issues
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Shift issues
Hi Guys
I know that corvette transmissions aren't the smoothest shift out there, but recently mine has been getting worse. Basically, even with the clutch depressed fully, i have to fight to get it into 2nd or 3rd gear. It feels like i am waiting for an opening in a rotating cog to be able to slide the gear in and it has been getting worse. It has even outright refused to shift once or twice, screeching loudly at me when i push it into 2nd.
I took it into the dealership and they are quoting me $2500 for labor and $1200 for parts to replace the clutch on this. I just wanted to ask, is this a total rip off? I have looked around the internet for the prices on this kind of thing and have been digging up numbers way less. I even have the extended warranty on it but it doesn't cover this.
Anyone else experienced this problem or have any suggestions?
I know that corvette transmissions aren't the smoothest shift out there, but recently mine has been getting worse. Basically, even with the clutch depressed fully, i have to fight to get it into 2nd or 3rd gear. It feels like i am waiting for an opening in a rotating cog to be able to slide the gear in and it has been getting worse. It has even outright refused to shift once or twice, screeching loudly at me when i push it into 2nd.
I took it into the dealership and they are quoting me $2500 for labor and $1200 for parts to replace the clutch on this. I just wanted to ask, is this a total rip off? I have looked around the internet for the prices on this kind of thing and have been digging up numbers way less. I even have the extended warranty on it but it doesn't cover this.
Anyone else experienced this problem or have any suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Clutch job should be around $1500 (ish), TOTAL.
Have to ask though, have you done regular clutch fluid changes via the Ranger method?
Might just be a common dirty fluid, low fluid problem or bad master cyl.
Have to ask though, have you done regular clutch fluid changes via the Ranger method?
Might just be a common dirty fluid, low fluid problem or bad master cyl.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 294
From: West of Burlington, Ontario Canada
Hi Guys
I know that corvette transmissions aren't the smoothest shift out there, but recently mine has been getting worse. Basically, even with the clutch depressed fully, i have to fight to get it into 2nd or 3rd gear. It feels like i am waiting for an opening in a rotating cog to be able to slide the gear in and it has been getting worse. It has even outright refused to shift once or twice, screeching loudly at me when i push it into 2nd.
I took it into the dealership and they are quoting me $2500 for labor and $1200 for parts to replace the clutch on this. I just wanted to ask, is this a total rip off? I have looked around the internet for the prices on this kind of thing and have been digging up numbers way less. I even have the extended warranty on it but it doesn't cover this.
Anyone else experienced this problem or have any suggestions?
I know that corvette transmissions aren't the smoothest shift out there, but recently mine has been getting worse. Basically, even with the clutch depressed fully, i have to fight to get it into 2nd or 3rd gear. It feels like i am waiting for an opening in a rotating cog to be able to slide the gear in and it has been getting worse. It has even outright refused to shift once or twice, screeching loudly at me when i push it into 2nd.
I took it into the dealership and they are quoting me $2500 for labor and $1200 for parts to replace the clutch on this. I just wanted to ask, is this a total rip off? I have looked around the internet for the prices on this kind of thing and have been digging up numbers way less. I even have the extended warranty on it but it doesn't cover this.
Anyone else experienced this problem or have any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
it was the dealership i purchased the vehicle from.Sounds like you're not getting proper disengagement of the clutch. I would get a second opinion to make sure you just don't need a master cylinder or a system bleed. If you need a slave cylinder/release bearing I would be doing a clutch at the same time as the labor for this is about the same. Doing a clutch in a C5 or C6 is a time consuming job and prices are all over the map depending on where you take the car. If I were you I wouldn't get a clutch done on a C5 or C6 at any shop that hasn't done one before.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 754
Likes: 79
From: Jacobstown, New Jersey
Don't know where you live but if it's cold there, these cars shift very stiff or hard until the trans fluid warms up, just try shifting it slowly until the fluid warms up. Not saying you clutch isn't the problem but sometimes it's just the difference in the colder climate areas.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 475
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville TX
I am going to assume you still have the stock shifter. The rubber O-rings might have become bad and need to be replaced on the shifter box. Mine started to do the same you are describing. Another option is to get an MGW shifter with the lower box (about $400). I have not regretted this one bit. This was one of the best mods I have done.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 48
From: Scottsdale Az
Don't know where you live but if it's cold there, these cars shift very stiff or hard until the trans fluid warms up, just try shifting it slowly until the fluid warms up. Not saying you clutch isn't the problem but sometimes it's just the difference in the colder climate areas.
since the temps have dropped here in the morning until mine warms up 5-7 miles it will grind going into 2nd and 3rd, then it's ok. I pause a second or two between shifts and that does help until warm.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 13
From: Laguna Woods, CA
Sounds like you're not getting proper disengagement of the clutch. I would get a second opinion to make sure you just don't need a master cylinder or a system bleed. If you need a slave cylinder/release bearing I would be doing a clutch at the same time as the labor for this is about the same. Doing a clutch in a C5 or C6 is a time consuming job and prices are all over the map depending on where you take the car. If I were you I wouldn't get a clutch done on a C5 or C6 at any shop that hasn't done one before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 16
From: Sugarhill Ga
how about going into reverse ? I would try flushing the clutch fluid 1st. then changing the trans fluid if it has at least 30k. you may also want to pull the shifter out and check the rubber bushings that isolate the shifter from the lower box, while you are in there see if there is any play in the shifter select rod (in the middle of the shifter box) it may have slipped or worn out. if it has you may want to order yourself a MGW shifter & lower box.
do this 1 step at a time & good luck.
do this 1 step at a time & good luck.
Last edited by truckplay; Dec 10, 2013 at 04:21 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
all the above are good potential areas or issues. your anonymity is maintained by not posting where you live, but someone might be able to recommend an indie shop or dealer if your city was in your profile. and while Rick is correct for many areas, many who've posted on here (depending on cost of labor in their areas) have said a full clutch replacement is $1.5K-$2K (and that's why Rick said "$1500 ish"
).
I also can't tell if an independent shop has done all your maintenance or the dealer. neither one necessarily knows, or does clutch fluid "basting" or replacements.
I'd say, starting w. what sevinn and truck said is where I'd begin. a good, general mechanic or technician is fine, but one who knows corvettes is better. jmo.
). I also can't tell if an independent shop has done all your maintenance or the dealer. neither one necessarily knows, or does clutch fluid "basting" or replacements.
I'd say, starting w. what sevinn and truck said is where I'd begin. a good, general mechanic or technician is fine, but one who knows corvettes is better. jmo.
