Possible Synchro Problem

**Blarg** · 12-07-2008 09:18 AM

Car has about 38K and I get a "crunch" (no audible gear grinding) when upshifting from 1st o 2nd, I don't get a crunch when I downshift from 3rd to 2nd though. If I upshift into 2nd really slow it notches in and doesn't crunch. I don't think I'm shifting too fast and it only does it in 2nd when I see that most people have a problem with 3rd. I am going to call the dealership and see if they will take a look but I have a very strong feeling that they will say they couldn't replicate the problem.

1. Is this something I should learn to live with if they don't fix it under warranty?
2. How many miles do you think these trannys will last even with worn synchros?
3. I bought a manual because I hate automatics and they tend to have more problems than manuals but seems like the Audi A4 has plenty of manual tranny issues, anyone else have problems with their MT?

BTW: I love this car and I want to keep it as long as possible, I just need some hope!

**Jmaak** · 12-07-2008 09:52 AM

Have you ever missed second?

**Blarg** · 12-07-2008 10:24 AM

No, but the previous owner may have...

**Zebman** · 12-07-2008 10:33 AM

My 3rd gear will sometimes act like your 2nd. It "klops" in instead of engaging like my other gears. None of my gears grind though unless it's cold and I try to shift fast.

**Grishbok** · 12-07-2008 03:22 PM

3rd gear synchro is the most common place of error on these transmissions...
2nd gear is a bit odd....

If its under warranty, id take it to the stealership so you have the problem noted. They wont do anything but say its fine, but it will have it be noted, then when it really breaks you have records on file.

**scoobycarolan** · 12-07-2008 05:14 PM

Yup. Welcome to the A4. It is the only thing I HATE about my car. Mine is 2nd, sometimes into 3rd. A lot of people say the JHM short shifter eliminated this issue because it kills the slop (www.audishifter.com). I bought it and it's improved, bit not eliminated. I've read reports that people switch the gearbox oil to MTL Redline or GM Synchromesh. I've also read that some of those people have had the oil leak through the seals and the tranny isn't designed to be changed. Your milage may vary.

**scoobycarolan** · 12-07-2008 05:15 PM

Oh,I took mine into the dealer. They wouldn't note it.

**bloodstar57** · 12-07-2008 05:45 PM

These 6 speed tranny's have synchro issues. It's not just A4 but s4 as well not sure about the RS4. Front the synchro goes and then gears start grinding

**Zebman** · 12-07-2008 06:22 PM

A JHM short shifter is going to make it worse. If the synchros can't handle the current shifting speed, what makes you think laying into the synchro faster is going to fix it?