Shifting Question

[raycdosu]

My 99 has 44k miles, and for about the past 5,000 miles, my M6 transmission has gotten much more difficult to shift. It has the same symptoms as vehicles I've had in the past where the synchros were worn, and putting in better fluid would alleviate the problems somewhat. However, some people have suggested to me that the problem I'm experiencing is a worn clutch.

Does anyone have an opinion on this? I've had worn clutches in vehicles before, and it did not cause a shifting problem. In addition, I'm not sensing any slipping in the clutch.

I took the car to the dealer today, and I'm sure they will come back and tell me it's the clutch, and I want to have an argument against them if that's not the likely cause. I don't want to pay for a new clutch and not get the problem fixed. Also, if it is the clutch, does anyone have any recommendations for other brands? Obviously, the GM parts suck if this clutch is truly worn after 44k miles.

 

[johnl]

I doubt it is the clutch. I'd replace the tranny fluid first. I had to change the clutch in my 97 at about 80,000 but I went to the track on occasion and took every opportunity to rip it up through the gears when getting on the freeway. I also had a 200mi/day commute so the mileage may be a little deceiving.
Even when the clutch was worn out I had no problems shifting the gears.
J

 

[klinderborg]

Ray we had a Chevy service manager at one of our Corvette club meetings a few months back. He said that some of the shifting forks inside the transmission are manufactured out of aluminum,and are prone to failure (bending) when the transmission is shifted hard. Chevy doesn't ( didn't at the time ) have a steel fork so the were using forks from a VIPER ! Supposedly it was covered under warrantee.

Good luck.

Ken

 

[raycdosu]

I actually did buy some Redline tranny fluid, but then decided to wait and take it to the dealer first. I have 5k miles left on the warranty, and if the problem really is something mechanical in the transmission, I didn't want to put fluid in that would alleviate the problem just enough for the dealer to claim nothing is wrong, and then 20k miles later the problem gets bad enough that fluid doesn't help and I'm fixing the trans out of my own pocket. Plus, I didn't want them to have any excuse for fixing it by saying a different fluid voids the warranty.

I figure I'll hopefully get it fixed mechanically, and then either way drop the Redline in it when the odometer rolls over 50k.

Thanks for the alternative possibilities and arguments. This will give me some ammo, or at least good follow up questions, if they tell me it's the clutch.

 

[C5NGAGE]

MN^ Doing going gone

My 98 has 90,00 miles and I don't race, but my warmed up LS1 does get a Banzi run through 3rd gear now and again.
Last Friday I did areal live street race. Red traffic light, revving up the pipes etc etc. It was a draw. However, it seems to be the last straw for my 6 speed. I now have to double clutch 2nd gear.
My McLeod Clutch is fine but now I am searching for a good shop to rebuild my MN6. I am also checking into changing the gear ratios to Z06 2.9 low gear. I fell with the 3.73 rear end this will improve my stop and go commute.
Anyone one with inputs I am open for ideas.

 

[JBsC5]

maybe ask the question over at www.corvettemechanic.com

They might be able to give you insight.

Good luck.

JB