I hate this freakin' new noise in the tranny...help.

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Hi all. As I was driving today, I couldn't help but notice an ugly grinding sound coming from the car (1985 targa) when the engine would wind down in second gear. I am a bit upset, as the car only has 47K on it. Sounds like something rattling, which is NOT good at all. This noise actually stops as soon as I start to accelerate, but will reappear once I lift my foot off the gas. I do not notice it in any other gears, thank god. I am aware that I do need synchro work in the second gear, but not in need of immediate service. Could this be related? My original problem is that if I do a quickshift from first to second, I'll grind. This will not happen as long as I take it easy.

Now, I don't claim to be a DIY guy, but would certainly appreciate some guidance, so I "sound" like I know what I'm talking about when the wrench gets my baby next week. Any feedback is much appreciated.

Regards,
JON
'85 Triple Black Targa

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

OOPS,

STRIKE THAT!!, The grinding occurs while the car is winding down in FIRST gear, not second. Sorry.

ljonespwc · 07-01-2001, 02:52 PM

I occasionally notice a faint rattle underneath my car when I'm at a complete stop and the clutch is engaged. When I disengage the clutch, the noise disappears. I haven't been able to duplicate the sound for my mechanic though. Figures.

I have a comment after seeing your second post jripps--I cannot think of any reason to "wind down" in first gear. First gear is normally only used for accelerating. Bringing the car to a near-stop in second is recommended (followed by clutch-in and shift to first when you're almost or completely stopped), because the shift down to first while the car is still moving is hard on the tranny I believe.

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Hi,

I'm not saying that I always wind down in 1st gear, but It does happen, like when I pull into my garage which is on a hill, or when I wait to pull into a spot. I notice it all the time now, it's that obvious. It's the kind of knocking or grinding that can turn heads and confirm my gawker's feelings on those "old porsches, glad I didn't buy one." I've got to fix it.

thanks for listening to part II

JON
'85 targa