6 Causes of Hard to Shift Manual Transmission (Especially 1 to 2)
Although the manual transmission is not as popular these days, there is still plenty to drive on the road. If you have a vehicle with a manual transmission, you’ll want to make sure it’s running at its best for even more fun. So what do you do when the manual transmission is hard to shift?
Some of the causes are easy to fix, while others may require replacement. We look at the top 6 causes of a hard-to-shift manual transmission, helping you get back on the road faster. Let’s first take a quick look at the possible causes.
The most common reason your manual transmission is difficult to shift is due to a faulty clutch or hydraulic clutch system. It can also cause damage to the gearbox, such as damaged gears or faulty timing rings. Check the transmission fluid level, as this could also cause shifting problems.
Here is a more detailed list of possible causes why your transmission is difficult to shift.
6 Causes of Hard-to-Shift Manual Transmission
1. Defective hydraulic system
The first thing to look for when your transmission is hard to shift is the hydraulic clutch system, as this is the most common place where things can go wrong when it comes to this problem.
In the clutch system, there is a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The master cylinder functions as the pump in a hydraulic clutch system. However, this hydraulic component is also prone to problems.
Sometimes it can leak or stop working, causing interference with fluid movement. What you’re left with is a transmission that’s difficult to shift and a pedal that works erratically.
Cars with a manual transmission generally have a master cylinder installed near the clutch pedal and a slave cylinder installed in the transmission.
A leaking master cylinder or slave cylinder can cause air bubbles to form in the hydraulic system, making it difficult to shift the transmission.
You can try bleeding the clutch system, and if shifting becomes easier, there is a good chance that a faulty slave or master cylinder is causing the problem. It can also be caused by leaking hydraulic lines.
RELATED: 6 Symptoms of a Bad Clutch Master Cylinder
2. Damaged clutch system
If the clutch pressure plate is worn or damaged, the clutch may not release power between the engine and transmission. This will make the transmission very difficult to shift.
If you experience a wobble or strange sensation in the clutch pedal while driving, there is a good chance that the clutch pressure plate is worn or damaged.
It can also be caused by a bad clutch plate, release fork, or faulty release bearing. If you suspect the problem is with the clutch, it is important to properly inspect all parts.
You must remove the transmission to properly inspect the clutch parts on most car models, so make sure the hydraulic parts are OK before checking the clutch.
3. Damaged gears
If the hydraulic system and clutch are working well, there is only one place left to check the problem and that is inside the gearbox. It requires certain skills, and only experts should do it.
The manual transmission system contains multiple gears. Some may have four speeds and a reverse gear, while others have 5. my and/or 6 my equipment.
Between 1st and 2nd/a or 3rd and 4th, there is also hub gear. If any of these gears are damaged, you will notice difficulty shifting from one to the other.
4. Defective timing ring
Additionally, the synchro ring contains small teeth, allowing the hub sleeve to engage easily. It must be working properly for the transmission to shift into the main gear.
If the timing ring is damaged, it may not fit properly with the hub sleeve. This is what causes noticeable lag issues.
5. Worn hub sleeve
Together with the hub gear, the sleeve is responsible for engagement between the main gears. It is also known as a synchromesh hub and moves to the right or left depending on how you have changed gear. This sleeve keeps the hub gear teeth in sync with the ring gear teeth.
When the hub sleeve is damaged or worn, timing fails. As a result, you notice shifting problems and lack of fluidity of movement.
6. Low or incorrect gear oil type
When you follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, you flush or change the transmission fluid regularly. If the fluid ages or leaks, the gears cannot receive the correct amount of lubrication.
What’s worse is that it allows the transmission to be damaged by running it without the correct amount of clean gear oil. Without this lubrication, shifting becomes more difficult. As the condition worsens, you may also start hearing strange sounds, indicating big problems.
It can also be caused by the wrong type of gear oil inside the transmission. For smooth shifting, you need the correct thickness and specification of gear oil.
How to fix it
The first thing to check if your transmission is difficult to shift is the gear oil. Make sure the level is correct and that it is not burned or too old.
The next place to check is the hydraulic clutch system. Check for leaks around the clutch cylinders and try bleeding the system once or twice. If the problem goes away, there is most likely a leak somewhere in the hydraulic system that needs to be repaired.
If there is no problem with the hydraulic system, you should remove the transmission to check the clutch system for damage to clutch parts such as the pressure plate, clutch disc, release fork, or release bearing. .
If you don’t find any problems with the clutch system, you should check the parts inside the transmission to see if there are any problems. This is often a difficult task and definitely not something you should do if you don’t have a great knowledge of gearboxes.
