I have an '87 IROC-Z with a 5spd tranny, when the car is running, the tranny is difficult to shift into 1st when stopped at a light, but if the car is off I can shift into every gear smooth as anything. Also, when it is running, if I push the clutch pedal in and try to shift into all the gears, 99% of the time it is very difficult, but every once in a while I can work the gears and feel 0 resistance. Also, when the car is running and the tranny is in neutral and the clutch pedal isn't pushed in, it sounds like the clutch is rattling. And finally, after driving on the highway and being in the process of getting off an exit, I'll try to downshift into 4th and it will refuse to go into 4th. Also, when on the highway, I'll try to downshift to 4th or sometimes upshift to 5th and while in the process of that, when I push the cluth pedal in and move the shifter into the intended gear, it will get stuck in the neutral position and get stuck and then I have to jiggle it back and forth like crazy to get it to loosen up. What gives?? I suspect I have bad synchros and a throw-out bearing. I'm sure it's worse than that. Then there are times when after running the car through the gears a few times while getting on it, the shifter will "loosen" up and it shifts smooth as ever.

 

I would start with the throwout and pilot bushing.I think bad synchros would probably cause gear grinding, any of that going on?


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A lot of times synchros will go out on just one gear, the rest will be ok, so suspect something that would affect all gears. If the clutch needs adjust or is worn down, it doesn't disengage completely when you depress the pedal, and makes it hard to pop in first and shift gears.

A bad t.o. bearing makes screechy noise, but usually doesn't affect shift quality. Bad bushing or bearings cause clutch chatter or tranny popping out of gear.

[This message has been edited by angel71rs (edited July 16, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by angel71rs (edited July 16, 2002).]

 

No grinding except for the occasional shiftin into 3rd too fast while runnin it hard. It also happens occasionally when trying to downshift while on the highway. For the most part theres definately rattling when in neutral and the clutch is definately worn or something. The clutch seems to grab alot lower than it did, I now have to have the seat moved all the way forward cuz the clutch engages when the pedal is returned a few inches from the floor. What I dont undertsnad is: if its a hydraulic clutch, shouldnt it self adjust so that it doesnt grab higher and higher as it wears out( as opposed to mine grabbing lower). And although its worn, it still grabs fairly good and when gettin on it and shift fast and lettin the clutch out fast, it barely slips (not like the tach is totally accurate anyway but it does jump a tad). The clutch fluid is full but does that necessarily mean the hydraulic system is ok??

 

Any other ideas.....any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Anybody??