6 Speed manual shifting issues

[AntA4B6nj]

Hi folks,

I have an '05 A4 B6 6 spd manual -- 81,000 miles. In the past 2-3 weeks it has started to resist shifting down from 6-5, 5-4, 4-3, 3-2. I'm not dropping to low gears at high speeds or anything like that. Normal downshifting like when coming to a red light has gotten very difficult.
When I say "resist", I mean it literally will not go into the gear. (or if it does, which takes much force, it sounds "chattery" or grinds into the gear)
If bring the engine speed up before trying to make the shift, it will go into the gear.

Upshifting, has also started to become more difficult in the past week. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

The Clutch feels solid and engages as it should.

My first thought is an issue with syncros, but I'm confused as to why it started to happen with all downshifts at the same time. I would expect it to begin with a single gear. Am I wrong in assuming this?

I've done some searching on this issue...Are these 6 spd trans (02x) really this weak? I bought the car certified used at the beginning of 2008 with 28k on it and I've never had an issue. (transmission related or anything else for that matter)

Thanks

Anthony

[AudIIan]

have you tried double clutching when down shifting? to downshift from 5 to 4th to 3 to 2nd everytime you slow down is alot of wear on a clutch....but it def sounds odd they would all act up at the same time

[old guy]

It sounds to me like your clutch is dragging. When you depress the pedal, for whatever reason the clutch is not fully disengaging. You mentioned that the full engagement point hasn't changed. That indicates a mechanical problem rather than a hydraulic issue where the clutch engagement gets closer to the floor.

[Dan1969]

You either have dirt in the bell housing or need to check your transmission fluid. It could very well be your clutch itself "sticking" like old guy mentioned. Time to drop the tranny!

[AntA4B6nj]

have you tried double clutching when down shifting? to downshift from 5 to 4th to 3 to 2nd everytime you slow down is alot of wear on a clutch....but it def sounds odd they would all act up at the same time

It's interesting...I've tried double clutching, but it seems like a similar issue.. You're right, all of that downshifting has put more wear on the clutch..although I don't usually go through every gear when slowing down. Often times I skip to a 6-4 - 4-3 ... But the same issue exists when doing that.

It sounds to me like your clutch is dragging. When you depress the pedal, for whatever reason the clutch is not fully disengaging. You mentioned that the full engagement point hasn't changed. That indicates a mechanical problem rather than a hydraulic issue where the clutch engagement gets closer to the floor.

Thanks man.. Perhaps it's time to check the clutch.. I suppose my biggest concern is syncros, since that is a much more extensive job than the clutch.

You either have dirt in the bell housing or need to check your transmission fluid. It could very well be your clutch itself "sticking" like old guy mentioned. Time to drop the tranny!

I'll check transmission fluid... Do you think I should drain it completely and put new fluid in? As far as I know, it's never been changed...

[Myst420]

If your fluid has never been changed, I would start there. And just my $.02, but when it comes to downshifting...I look at it as I would rather replace brake pads more often then a clutch. I usually just coast in a high gear until I have to take it out of gear.

[M-Hood]

It sounds to me like your clutch is dragging. When you depress the pedal, for whatever reason the clutch is not fully disengaging. You mentioned that the full engagement point hasn't changed. That indicates a mechanical problem rather than a hydraulic issue where the clutch engagement gets closer to the floor.

It could also be caused by a failing pilot bearing, which can be the issue if the engagement of the clutch can still be felt in the normal position of the clutch pedal.

BTW there is a right way and wrong way to put the pilot bearing in, not both sides of the pilot bearing have the same size opening.

[gmudan]

I have the same car as you 2005, 1.8tQ 6spd. And the problem i have is i cant put it into 1st gear smoothly untill im dead stopped with my foot on brake sometimes. Cant even put it in 1st when just rolling off the driveway at like 1 mph. Sometimes it moves in nice and smooth. And im not sure what gear it was but i think it was 3rd or 2nd, acouple times it wouldn't go in smoothly, but it dosnt do that now. The same is for my reverse gear. My reverse gear started acting up like that yesterday

[old guy]

I have the same car as you 2005, 1.8tQ 6spd. And the problem i have is i cant put it into 1st gear smoothly untill im dead stopped with my foot on brake sometimes. Cant even put it in 1st when just rolling off the driveway at like 1 mph. Sometimes it moves in nice and smooth. And im not sure what gear it was but i think it was 3rd or 2nd, acouple times it wouldn't go in smoothly, but it dosnt do that now. The same is for my reverse gear. My reverse gear started acting up like that yesterday

I believe you are talking about two different issues. AntA4B6nj's problem has progressed to where he is having difficulty with upshifts and downshifts across all gears. Usually that is caused by the input shaft not totally disengaging from the flywheel rotation. It can be caused by a number of different reasons but unfortunately most of them require removing the gearbox for correction.

From your description is sounds like more of an issue with rev matching before you downshift. Here is an old post that may be benificial to your issue: Clicky click

[gmudan]

I believe you are talking about two different issues. AntA4B6nj's problem has progressed to where he is having difficulty with upshifts and downshifts across all gears. Usually that is caused by the input shaft not totally disengaging from the flywheel rotation. It can be caused by a number of different reasons but unfortunately most of them require removing the gearbox for correction.

From your description is sounds like more of an issue with rev matching before you downshift. Here is an old post that may be benificial to your issue: Clicky click

Thank you, i usually do rev match down but never really tried it on 1st gear because i thought i didnt need to. I will try it and post how it goes. Thanks!

[foley803]

My gear engagement issue went away when I replaced my trans mount. Might be worth taking a look.

[davkav]

BTW there is a right way and wrong way to put the pilot bearing in, not both sides of the pilot bearing have the same size opening.

Did not know this, I must have got lucky with the last one I put in.

[Dan1969]

I'll check transmission fluid... Do you think I should drain it completely and put new fluid in? As far as I know, it's never been changed...

I think you should, but you are going to have to drop the tranny, no way around it. All these things could be the culprit: the clutch disk itself, dirt on the surface causing it to stick, the pilot bearing, the slave cylinder (although these tend to fail completely)... Good luck man...

[diagnosticator]

For normal street driving, there is usually no need to downshift the trans sequentially. It is a lot easier and less wear on the trans and clutch/shifter linkage, to go directly to neutral gear, release the clutch pedal and use the brakes to slow down. While waiting at red lights, the trans should be in neutral with the clutch pedal released. (pedal up,) I agree with 'old guy", it sounds like the clutch is not disengaging fully with the clutch pedal depressed. Changing the transmission gear oil is worthwhile. Using a lower fluid viscosity will help with shifting gears with a cold trans and during cold weather, especially with some wear on the synchronizers. I recommend Redline MTL.

[texasboy21]

2nd redline, GL4 up front and GL5 in the rear.