'06 S4 Cab -> Sudden difficulty shifting into all gears

[mgraziano1975]

Hey guys,

Did a search, but didn't find a similar thread.

I have an '06 S4 Cab with 54k miles. I've had it for about 5 years and 25k miles. It was running fine the other day with no issues. I had to step on it in 1st to get around someone at a light to get on the highway, but had trouble shifting into 2nd when it was time. I suppose I wasn't being gentle.

Further examination of the other gears showed some difficulty as well. Typically no difficulty getting out of gear except for 1st when rev'ing high. At first I suspected syncros, but all gears were fine, then all weren't so little chance they all went at once. Same logic for the gears themselves.

So the common denominator is clutch. Either the TOB went bad, or the slave, or something on the clutch itself. Or I bent/broke something on the shifter.

Easy driving (timing the engine and transmission) results in mostly easy shifts into all gears. Driving a little harder (higher shift points) results in difficulty shifting. Car stays in gear once in gear for all gears. Double clutching doesn't help. No fluid under the car, and the reservoir is full.

Thoughts on what's going on? I'm willing and capable of changing or bleeding the slave, but don't have the time to devote to a full engine or transmission pull.

Thanks,
Mike

'06 S4 Cabriolet
'15 Q7
'08 S8 (sold)
'66 Oldsmobile 442 W30
'48 MG TC

[neilpaku]

Clutch sounds like a good place to start, but also visual inspection of the linkage to ensure nothing's jammed in there. If the clutch is dragging, then manually synchronizing your shift should confirm. Is it hard(er) to put into first or reverse with engine running and car stationary? That can also indicate clutch dragging. How does the pedal feel - same position/higher/lower? Did you check the transmission fluid level?

[mgraziano1975]

Getting into 1st and reverse with the engine running is perfect with no hesitation. I did NOT check the transmission fluid level. I didn't think of it since it's a manual. Is there even a dipstick somewhere? If I had to guess.... I'd say the clutch pedal felt lighter. I don't drive it every day (it usually sits for three to four weeks as my daily driver is my only automatic, and Austin traffic is terrible) so my leg doesn't truly remember how hard the clutch was to engage.