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Bored&Stroked · 12-10-2020, 12:30 PM

Well, another way to see if you have a clutch release issue is to first test it in the driveway when you're not moving (sounds like you've done this). If you push the clutch in a bit and then go to put it in 1st or reverse and it grinds, then your clutch is not releasing. This is my first test - as the clutch is still cold and the disc has not expanded.

If you pass that one, you're usually good to go - unless the adjustment is "right on the edge" of releasing - as the clutch/disc will expand when they get hot (and then can drag) - so it may need a little more throw in the adjustment.

Are you having issues in 2nd - both on acceleration as well as on deceleration? If the synchros are worn, it will usually go into 2nd easier on acceleration, than on deceleration - as the synchro has a lot of work to do when you're downshifting (to slow 2nd gear down so the shift collar can engage).

12-10-2020, 12:30 PM	#5
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,910	Re: Hard to Down Shift 3rd to 2nd Well, another way to see if you have a clutch release issue is to first test it in the driveway when you're not moving (sounds like you've done this). If you push the clutch in a bit and then go to put it in 1st or reverse and it grinds, then your clutch is not releasing. This is my first test - as the clutch is still cold and the disc has not expanded. If you pass that one, you're usually good to go - unless the adjustment is "right on the edge" of releasing - as the clutch/disc will expand when they get hot (and then can drag) - so it may need a little more throw in the adjustment. Are you having issues in 2nd - both on acceleration as well as on deceleration? If the synchros are worn, it will usually go into 2nd easier on acceleration, than on deceleration - as the synchro has a lot of work to do when you're downshifting (to slow 2nd gear down so the shift collar can engage).