Problems changing gear at high rpm

[S2central.net]

Was out yesterday trying to get some good launches... No probs off the line in 1st circa 3000-4000 rpm... Little bit of chirp from the wheels and off we whizz.

Changing to 2nd at around 6000rpm and I get baulked - its just not happy going into 2nd and takes a couple of attempts to get 3rd.

This on a car that gets treated respectfully every day - I'm no launch junkie - and there are absolutely no problems / noises changing gear at moderate revs - say up to 4000 or so. I've done a few launches in the past and all was well.

Got to wondering if this is a sign of original clutch on the way out at circa 145k miles or a lurking synchromesh problem.

Then I had a slightly embarrassing thought - I have never bled the clutch on this car - just never been bovvered cos its such a pain to get to and I've never had any reason to do so - clutch has always been fine - nice even pedal action.

Then I wondered - what if the clutch has *never* been bled since the cars last dealership service - urrrrrr - long time back.

Would old/water infested fluid in teh clutch cause this bad behaviour ?

Just thinking that when going for a quick gearshift like that - its quite a rapid pressure change on the pedal and if hydraulics aren't 100% then its not gonna disengage the clutch fast enough. Thats my theory...

[Greg_S]

Paul, ive had the same issue on mine too and think it may be the clutch on its way out. Bleeding the clutch will def be worth a try though

[S2central.net]

Mmm yeah - bleeding the clutch is for free - except for the blood letting along the way. Gotta be worth a try ?

When was yours last bled Greg ?

Trouble about changing clutch is probably have to talk myself into an uprated item - prolly from Sachs and then I'll talk myself into a SM flywheel to boot...
Really not in the mood for that little job - at least not while its zero celsius in the garage. Then there'll be all those other jobs I'll want to do with the engine out.

Gawd I hope it just needs bled...

[mcandmar]

Could be weak syncros, or worn gearbox oil. I've heard people mention good results from redline tranny fluid.

To be honest Audi gearbox's in general dont like to be rushed, you always have to give them half a second longer than you would think for a smooth change.

[driftin jo]

I think you have a workable theory and i hope for you and others that this turns out to be the problem.

I do howerver think that this is a synchro problem, however all is not lost.

A few questions,

(1) Does the clutch hold pressure ?
I had this problem a few years ago on my old coupe, if i held the clutch in for a long time about 30 seconds the cluch would start to bite .
this was because the clutch master cylinder was fooked and loosing pressure. i did have the odd problem going from 2nd to 3rd gear and after i changed the master cylinder it was fine.

(2) have you checked that the gearbox oil level is ok ?
If it is low this will cause high rmp synchro problems.

(3) Has the gearbox oil been changed to you knowledge ?
If it has been changed by some numpty who has put the wrong grade of oil in it this could be your problem. if you are not sure and bleeding the clutch does not solve you problems i would recommend changing the oil.
my first ever quattro had synchro probs and changing the oil fixed it.

I have heard people say that using slick 50 gearbox treatment can help synchro problems tho i havent tried it . I also remember reading something once that said slick 50 gearbox treatment had CAUSED a synchro problem by lowering the viscosity of the oil and reducing the friction. Again this is only what i have heard and read .

Good look with it anyway, let me know how it goes.

[s2driveruk]

Paul, whatever happens, get that fluid flushed through, mine looked kak and was only changed about 3yrs prior to my project. I would think that and a flush and fill of the tranny oil should be good routine and may just solve the issue in the process. Actually, with an eziblled its pretty simple to do, just wear something over your eyes and a good long line for the bleeder so that the fluid runs out straight into something.....stealing some tuperware or equivalent and cutting a hole in it is a good option...worked for me. Once you are up on that slave area there is a reasonable amount of room to work in, just happens to be by feel only rather than sight.

Good luck!

David

[Rusty]

Perfect time to get a 3B flywheel and a Sachs in there! My OE Audi LUK doesn't like me so I'd suggest that as you're going for the same spec car at the mo then you go fo rhtemore expensive and better Sachs.

My clutch did 160k, I assume it was original. It was down to the rivets when it came out, that was after a few launches in my ownership.

[Graham]

I need to do a full tranny flush also and want to know if you can get all the oil out while it is in the car, and where do you fill it from?. Mine doesnt like to be rushed either, even though that problem is mainly from 1st to 2nd, the rest are ok. Bleeding the clutch only takes 15 mins and that includes 5 mins setup with an eazibleed.
Graham

[S2central.net]

Thanks lads... 1st port of call has to be clutch fluid. Then the gearbox oil - it has never been changed - I'm too lazy/busy (dog ate my homework).

Paul

[Azman]

So what is the cause of a whining first gear????

[S2central.net]

Whiny noises are damaged internals - cogs, bearings whatever.

[Azman]

Bum!!!!

[Rusty]

Thanks lads... 1st port of call has to be clutch fluid. Then the gearbox oil - it has never been changed - I'm too lazy/busy (dog ate my homework).

Paul

Clutch fluid is easy once you find the bleed nipple. 'box fluid is a bit less simple as the centre diff drain ids above the cats. Rear diff fluid is worth doing too if you can get the drain plug undone

[Greg_S]

Will def try bleeing clutch. dont think it has been done sicne ive had the car. Done the gearbox fluid twice now though