shifting into 2nd gear.... its rough [Archive]

vdubjetta02

02-21-2010, 04:04 PM

shifting into second gear seems to take longer than any other gear. Also when i shift into second gear with any amount of speed it feels very rough and somtimes feels like it is grinding (although not audible!)

it has come to the point where i literally hate shifting into 2nd gear off every light... if i shift slow (1st to neutral to second) there is no problem. But nobody wants to drive like that [rolleyes]

** i used to use subaru (Extra-s) from Japan and it 100% cured my syncro problem on my subaru, i have about 4 quartz of this stuff left over, any reason i can not use subaru tranny fluid in my Audi????

EDIT : This thread keeps getting bumped from the dead. I changed my tranny fluid and have had Zero problems with any gears or any shifts. The second gear shift is just normal with Audi's transmission and it took me a while to get use to. It was not a "problem"

nramsey

02-21-2010, 05:24 PM

I'm thinking the opposite, that a lighter/slicker fluid might help the syncros line up quicker. I think a heavier fluid might make the problem worse. I've had the same issue with nearly every manual transmission car I've ever had and never really found a cure that completely solves the issue. I think part of the reason there is an "issue" is because the gap between the ratios from 1st to 2nd is the widest in the whole gearbox, so the syncros and shafts have to dramatically change speed compared to other shifts.

As for fluid, I can't remember which I used in my old B5, but Redline MTL or MT90 are both very popular with enthusiast crowds. I tried one of those and it did seem to help, but wasn't anything super drastically better.

I'd definitely recommend shifting so that it feels smooth. I think rushing it too much and making it feel like it's grinding is going to severely shorten the life of your syncros. My B5 I defintely had to pause and let the shifter slide into second on it's own, which worked great and wasn't too slow. Shouldn't need to go completely into neutral first. I would just gently pull back from first into second and let the shifter slide in when it was ready.

inphamous_A4

02-21-2010, 05:51 PM

what rpms are you shifting at ??

vdubjetta02

02-21-2010, 08:38 PM

what rpms are you shifting at ??

normally 3,000 - 3,500 RPMS is my normal shift point... i just like shifting quicker than the average person (who is not into cars)

-it takes so long to shift when its done smoothly that the person behind me always catches up and rides my ass until i accelerate in 2nd again

Yukk

02-21-2010, 09:00 PM

I get that same problem not only in second, but third gear too. It might be just me, but when I shift at a higher RPM 3500 as opposed to 2500-3000 it feels smoother.

The sound isn't audible although I can feel something of a resistance or knock (which may be the wrong term to use here). When its cold I just drive nice and easy shifting slow until the car warms up, once it is shifting usually is fine.

walky_talky20

02-21-2010, 09:34 PM

I've heard good things about the BG SynchroShift II product. Some call it "a rebuild in a bottle" because of its ability to make worn synchro's work like new.

Yes, lighter/thinner fluid will help the shifts smooth out as the synchro''s will have more bite. Thicker fluid will probably make the problem worse.

vdubjetta02

02-22-2010, 08:16 AM

the only reason i thought "thicker" was because my subaru's syncros were in bad shape, making audible grinding noises.... I switched to a full synthetic tranny fluid (Extra-S) special OEM tranny fluid from Asia and my syncros were fine for the 15,000 miles i owned the car. i never had a syncro problem again after switching out fluids...

- I just made the assumption is was "heavier" - i also used Redline Shockproof in my subaru

ggg20t

02-22-2010, 10:20 AM

i have the same exact problem. It feels like it's grinding but there is no noise. I hate shifting into second. I did find that the problem goes away once the car is warmed up and i shift at lower rpm's as was previously stated.

Blarg

02-22-2010, 02:26 PM

Do you have an aftermarket snub mount? If not, it made a world of difference in my 1 to 2 shift!

ECS Tuning-Audi

02-22-2010, 02:37 PM

gyroscope

02-22-2010, 04:02 PM

All VAG transmissions have the same clunky feeling in the shift linkage when they are cold. In cold weather let the car warm up for at least 5-10 minutes and don't force the car into 2nd, because you could damage a synchro. Aim the heat vents at the shifter. Once the car is warmed up it should be shifting very smooth

Tusin

02-22-2010, 04:34 PM

vdubjetta02

02-22-2010, 06:43 PM

We sell quite a bit of Redline MT-90 and MTL to B7ers and everyone, quite literally everyone I speak to about it, says it makes a mammoth difference. It is available here, click click (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/ES1502+es1503/?salesrep=CArmbruster&utm_source=audizine&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=CArmbruster&utm_campaign=postreply) and the review is generally night and day difference in shifting. Smoother shifts and less tranny noise are common comments.

http://www.ecstuning.com/product_library/13131/300/Redline%20MT-90%20Manual%20Transmission%20Fluid%20-%201%20Quart.jpg (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/ES1502+es1503/?salesrep=CArmbruster&utm_source=audizine&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=CArmbruster&utm_campaign=postreply)

thanks, i have used this before in previous cars and will probably pick some up here near the end of March. I have quite a few bills in the next two weeks i need to take care of first!

walky_talky20

02-22-2010, 08:57 PM

What is the Viscosity ratings on the BG fluid? If it is anything like Penzoil Syncromesh (another very highly rated product), it is way to thin. Our gear oil is a 75w90, and rates close to that in viscosity tests. Does your shifting get better as the car warms up? Or does it get worse?

I believe it is 75w80. From my understanding it has a lot of friction modifiers that allow it to work well, even at extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Tusin

02-22-2010, 10:42 PM

When I say visocity rating I am not reffering to weight:)

And for syncro's to work corretlly you do not want "a lot of friction modifers". Anyways I have heard good things about the BG product.

I would be cautions about putting a "syncro"(syncromesh, the BG stuff) product in our gear box though. Our gearbox/front diff/torsen all share the same fluid. So what may be good for the gear box, may not be so good for the torsen etc....

I am running a mix of MTL and MT90 and it is performing great so far (just about a week old now). I did 2 MT90's and 1.6 MTL.

inphamous_A4

02-23-2010, 02:57 AM

if its cold out dont let the car idle. just turn it on and go. the longer you let the engine warm up is the more stress you'll put against the tranny, cause the tranny will still be cold. just drive easy till it warms up. that way the engine and tranny warm up together. and a snub mount will help. i have one and it made a noticeable difference. when i get the chance im going to get the apikol read diff mount.

fajimr

02-23-2010, 11:57 AM

mine is the same way in the winter.... i drove to california over christmas and it shifted much smoother.

jim

mkunert

02-23-2010, 12:06 PM

Aim the heat vents at the shifter.

That's pretty funny. [>_<]

vdubjetta02

02-24-2010, 04:31 PM

looks like a need a snubmount then...... if i drive spirited at all it always grinds going into 2nd (although still not audible)

- i have left over special Subaru Tranny fluid that COMPLETLY cured my syncro problem in my wrx, any reason i could not put that in my Audi's transmission???

AudiFan6482

02-24-2010, 04:46 PM

I almost returned my 08 after one week of ownership because of this problem, i cant even get into first gear at stoplights some times and start in second. I complained to the dealer about it and they said it was due to the cold and that they all act "stiff" like mine. Couldnt replicate the inability to get into first though, wish there was a tsb for the tranny sucks balls that a german luxury sedan has the tranny of a nissan pos.

vdubjetta02

02-24-2010, 05:54 PM

^^ ya i mean i only have 17,000 miles on my car....but how to you explain to the dealer "when i drive SPIRITEDLY is when the problem happens" they will just laugh and say so shift slower.... the problem is, not being able to shift some-what fast is kind of making driving this car boring!!! and irritating

GA42.0T

10-21-2010, 01:00 PM

Any updates on this? I have the same issue - feels rough, grindy going into 2nd and 3rd. But I can't say there's a noticable difference cold or warmed up. Seems to happen all the time. Usually at LOWER rpms though. Shifting at 3,500 is rougher than 4.5-5K.

I see this thread started/ended in Feb. In the warmer whether, through summer, did any of you other grinders notice an improvement?

I had mine at the dealer a few weeks ago for 25K service and asked them to check it out. Of course, they said, "Manual trans operating as designed at this time. Test drive - no abnormal shifting feeling noticed." Nice. How do you debate a "feeling"?

Was hanging with neverfollow-rs4 just last weekend, and he agreed my gearbox feels grindy.

Wonder if I should take it back to the deal and ask them to "feel" it again, or just eat the cost and get snub mount and new fluid. Seems like it should be a warranty item. I drove neverfollow-rs4's B7 and it felt great. Much like the 3 other B7's I test drove before getting mine. Definitly doesn't seem to be operating normally.

A4s-line

10-21-2010, 01:09 PM

This is my second audi and I had a VW before and I always felt that these cars are very "notchy" feeling when shifting so it might just be how the shifters were made. IMO.

grimlock

10-21-2010, 01:23 PM

When I first got my B7 in March I had the same issue. 1st to 2nd always took longer compared to other gears and going from 2nd to 3rd it sometimes felt like the synchros weren't engaging smoothly. After about half a year of driving though I've noticed the problem less and less, part of which I think is just due to getting used to the car. I can go from 1st to 2nd fairly quickly and smoothly now. For some reason I think the tranny on our cars just requires a bit more finesse compared to others. I've driven a manual MK6 GTI and a manual 328i recently and both those trannys seemed pretty forgiving.

vdubjetta02

10-21-2010, 02:44 PM

wow bump from 6+ months ago lol....yes i have gotten use to the Audi transmission and no longer notice a grind in second gear. I don't think anything was wrong, I just wasn't use to Audi's transmission

GA42.0T

10-21-2010, 03:12 PM

yes i have gotten use to the Audi transmission and no longer notice a grind in second gear. I don't think anything was wrong, I just wasn't use to Audi's transmission

Ok, thanks. Good to know.

wow bump from 6+ months ago lol....

LOL, right. That's what ~search~ will do!

b7a4GT30

10-21-2010, 07:30 PM

i have this same problem except it seems to feel like 2nd gear takes longer to engage (from 1st clutch in, shift to 2nd, clutch out). Except when i let go of the clutch even gently at the grabbing point it makes a clunk sometimes and the shift isnt smooth as other times. This only happens in 2nd and no other gear.

gyroscope

10-21-2010, 08:50 PM

That's pretty funny. [>_<]

my****hurts. good user name.

GA42.0T

10-22-2010, 12:34 PM

We sell quite a bit of Redline MT-90 and MTL to B7ers and everyone, quite literally everyone I speak to about it, says it makes a mammoth difference. It is available here, click click (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/ES1502+es1503/?salesrep=CArmbruster&utm_source=audizine&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=CArmbruster&utm_campaign=postreply) and the review is generally night and day difference in shifting. Smoother shifts and less tranny noise are common comments.

http://www.ecstuning.com/product_library/13131/300/Redline%20MT-90%20Manual%20Transmission%20Fluid%20-%201%20Quart.jpg (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-Quattro-2.0T/Search/ES1502+es1503/?salesrep=CArmbruster&utm_source=audizine&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=CArmbruster&utm_campaign=postreply)

Hmmmm? Here's a question Pete. Both of the manTrans fluids you list say they're for B7 Quattro.

I navigated to Trans fluid options for B7 FWD, and only auto/tip fluid is listed.

Audi B7 A4 FWD 2.0T > Drivetrain > Transmission > Fluid

Is the manTrans fulid different for FWD and AWD? And if so, why you ain't got it for FWD?

Please don't say becuase I'm not supposed to own an FWD Audi - becuase I do : /

vdubjetta02

10-22-2010, 02:33 PM

I did change my transmission fluid after this post with my car only having 17,000 miles. and that probably helped......all i know is i no longer have any problems with my transmission, but i shift hard and drive hard when i drive my car because i only drive it 5-6 days a month. So when i drive it, i drive it hard

jimrobbington

10-22-2010, 03:24 PM

is there a diy for the a manual transmission fluid flush? I'm at 104 k and I know my transmission could use a little improvement

ECS Tuning-Audi

10-25-2010, 05:36 AM

Here's a writeup (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc32.shtml) for the B5 but it should be pretty similar for the B6/7.

chrislane31

10-25-2010, 05:59 AM

Be sure to get the correct fluid. I think the B7s call for gl5 fluid. I switched to motul 300 and the transfer feels much better.

vdubjetta02

10-25-2010, 10:11 AM

i have schaeffer transmission fluid in my car. It's not meant for Audi's, but my mechanic who has been a Euro only mechanic for 25 years uses it and I love it personally.

chrislane31

10-25-2010, 10:44 AM

I sure hope it is GL5

Sprode

10-25-2010, 11:10 AM

i have schaeffer transmission fluid in my car. It's not meant for Audi's, but my mechanic who has been a Euro only mechanic for 25 years uses it and I love it personally.

I've been using shaeffer fluids in my supra for a long time. Haven't had to change much but oil in the Audi yet, but it isn't just a Euro thing.

deeznuts

10-25-2010, 01:01 PM

Hmm i have similar problems except for me sometimes its a bitch getting the car into first gear when im stopped...i find myxekf revving the motor a little bit to engage it into first...maybe ill do the trans fluid change and see if that helps...im kinda counting down until my clutch blows so i can upgrade it but its a pain in the ass to not b able to get into first

STEALTH K3

03-17-2015, 01:42 AM

Hi all going to revive this post after a couple of years this is my issue
I have a clunky 2 gear mainly changing down gear from 3-2 it does not happen if the gear change is below 20mph and change up through the gears is fine all the other gears are fine.

cdh9400t

03-17-2015, 07:39 PM

Just to add to your post. I was having this second gear crunch/hard shift. Changed the mtf fluid twice with no luck. I just figured it was a character of the car. Anyway while I was changing my engine oil this weekend, I found my front snub mount split into several pieces. Ordered one up from Europaparts.com, put it in, now the car shifts like butter in all gears.

208Audi

04-22-2015, 03:00 PM

REVIVAL

So, just to be sure.

I'm on a hot ass summer/cold ass winter area.

AM I SAFE TO CHANGE MY 6 SP TO THE REDLINE MTL?

I'm having all the same issues everyone on this thread talk about. Hard/inaudible grind going onto second. Figured I will service the transmission and go for the 034 snub mount.