Minor Shifting Problems Options

[ne14914]

I am having some minor shifting problems I need some help with.

When I downshift into 2nd, or 3rd gear, sometimes i get a grinding sound. I know i am shifting it into the correct gear. It also happens when I am sitting at a light, and I go into first gear. The clutch does not slip, and seems to be pretty solid.

Also, is it common for the 914 to have such a long throw. It seems longer than my old 65 VW. I was thinking of adding a short shift kit - what do you guys think?

Craig

[Lawrence]

I don't know what year your car is, but have you checked your shift bushings in the linkage?

After you've checked/replaced as necessary, then try adjusting the shifter. The adjustment point is under an access panel between the seats.

Later cars have more exact shift characteristics than the early ones (70-72).

If the above doesn't work, you can pull your shifter, and check for wear there, and can also check the linkage for wear where it meets the transmission.

The common wisdom is a poorly shifting car will only get worse with a short shift kit.

Good luck,
Lawrence

[Dave_Darling]

Step 1: Adjust the clutch. Yeah, I know you're sure it's adjusted--adjust it again!! Seriously; the grinding going into 1st gear is often a sign that the clutch isn't quite letting go all the way.
Step 2: Adjust the shift linkage. It's free, and sometimes can solve these kinds of problems. Not often, but it's free and can work.
Step 3: Check or just replace all of the shift bushings and (if you have a 73+ or an earlier car with a side-shift conversion) the cone set screws.

After that, you're talking actual money to really fix things.

The short-shift kit will make the throws shorter. But you will tend to shift faster (one of the reasons for having short throws, yes?). That will make it easier to "beat" the synchros, so you'll get back into "grind-ville" a lot faster. It can make the slop seem smaller, because all of the motion (including the slop) will be smaller.

--DD

[Brad Roberts]

Dave and all..

Make sure to ad to your list:

Check clutch tube at the firewall.

I have seen more cars than I care to admit with freshly broken clutch tubes... NO amount of adjusting will make it better.

B

[rick 918-S]

Check the bushing and quick release pin at the peddle end of the clutch. Mine wore out. The bushing looked like a "C" instead of an "0" I could never figure out why I needed to add washers to the trunion to get the clutch to work.

[Brad Roberts]

Yet another great idea. ALL of the cars I check have this worn out. Normally the clevis is about to break.

B

[Jeffs9146]

Yep, Brad has the idea! Fire wall tube would be the first check! Get it overwith first!

Jeff