Grinds into 1st on 85 944?

Dougster · 06-22-2006, 05:01 AM

Hey guys,
My new to me 85.5 944 has at times been grinding into first, even at a stop...Not all the time but more often then I would like...
Any idea's?

Thanks much.

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

Could be 1st gear synchro, could be so much free play in the shifter that the shifter is having trouble slotting into gear. Is there a lot of back-and-forth play in the shifter when the car is in gear?

Dougster · 06-22-2006, 07:55 AM

Yes, she has some slop in her there...
Would changing the gear fluid to some synthetic gear lube help?

Thanks much...

Razorback1980 · Razorback1980's Garage

Probably help some, but more than likely a temporary fix. If it's the synchros, they are going to continue to deterioriate. Is this the only gear with a problem? I think you are on the right track though, change the fluid and drive it until you are ready to pull the transmission and fix it or change it.

seaboltman · 06-22-2006, 08:07 AM

I'd say bleed the clutch and see if that makes a difference, and also try to clean up some of that sloppy play in the shifter.

Dougster · 08:30 AM

* Yes, 1st is the only gear doing it.

Thanks guys,
I appreciate it.

Eldorado · 06-22-2006, 09:19 PM

my car grinds into first..
it's the syncro... I have to shift 2nd then 1st from a standstill..

got so used to it when i drove a friend's stick mazda last summer, i did the same thing... and they were wondering what the hell i was doing.... just habit..

Dougster · 06-23-2006, 06:22 AM

Yep, I have been starting out in 2nd some...But then I don't shift back into 1st?

Eldorado · 06-23-2006, 02:55 PM

is that a question doug?

Dougster · 06-23-2006, 03:27 PM

Yes,
I wasn't clear if that is what you had been doing?

Trevor · 06-23-2006, 04:36 PM

Before you shift into first from a stop, ease it into second, then into first. I used to do this with one of my cars when it was cold.

951and944S · 06-23-2006, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dougster
* Yes, 1st is the only gear doing it.

Thanks guys,
I appreciate it.

If the transmission shows signs of having been opened up before/recently, it's probable that the wrong synchro ring was installed.

First gear's synchro is not the same as 2-4 as it has a 5deg. difference in the conical angle cut on it's inside diameter thus the matching concial surface on the 1st gear itself has the same corresponding 5deg. difference, 115 deg. vs. 110 deg.

TS

Eldorado · 06-23-2006, 06:59 PM

yep doug, trevor has it right... when stopped, go into first by passing through second... as in..

clutch in > shift second > shift first >clutch out and go

Dougster · 06-23-2006, 08:26 PM

Gotcha, Thanks again guys.

I'll give her a try, seems to only do it when Its been driven quite a bit...Not when its cold.

You driving a 325is now Trevor?
How do you like it?

Trevor · 06-25-2006, 02:11 PM

Hey Doug, yeah been driving the 325is for two years now, love it but I'm looking for a newer car, this one is done. I'm hoping to get an a4 another E36, or maybe a Jetta. I would love another 944 but with one year left of college its pretty unlikely. I check your website from time to time to see if you have anything I'm interested in.

Dougster · 06-26-2006, 04:59 PM

OK,
Yes, let me know if I can ever help in a search.
Take care.