Stiff Gear Change

mr.nic

Member
 East Yorks
With the recent colder weather I've really started to struggle to get the gear stick into first, second or reverse. It seems really prevalent when first getting into the car in a morning or when I leave work (and the car has been left all day). It was always a little stiff getting it into first, however it's now at a stage where I'm really starting to worry about a gear box replacement. Has anyone else had a similar problem? Any advice greatly appreciated!
 
Once the car has warmed up it's certainly easier to get into first & second although it's still fairly stiff - but not as bad as first thing!
 
I have noticed the same since the weather has dropped to - numbers. And the same it's always been difficult to get 1st and 2nd. I hope your wrong I don't France the bill for a new gear box!!! :cry:
 
OK, following a bit of googling I found an old forum thread that recommends replacing the clutch delay valve (CDV), and repalacing it with one with a larger bore (plus bleed the clutch fluid). Also a change to a weighted gear stick may help (again any recommendations from forum members as to the best option will be much appreciated)!

May give this a go and see what happens...
 
On Friday I had my CDV removed, and whilst it was up on the ramps thought I'd ask the guy to replace the trans and diff fluid.

The car is at 79k miles, 9 year old 3.0 manual, and the old diff fluid wasn't actually too bad whereas the tranny oil was jet black.

Previously it was quite stiff changing from 1st to 2nd but it's *almost* butter smooth now, even at 6am in the freezing cold. Very happy!
 
The CDV won't do anything to help a notchy shift. It simply dampens the clutch engagement to stop the Dual Mass Flywheel taking undue shocks.
 
mr.nic said:
OK, following a bit of googling I found an old forum thread that recommends replacing the clutch delay valve (CDV), and repalacing it with one with a larger bore (plus bleed the clutch fluid). Also a change to a weighted gear stick may help (again any recommendations from forum members as to the best option will be much appreciated)!

May give this a go and see what happens...

You mean CDV delete. Tbh it won't make getting the car in gear any easier as its only function Is delaying the release of the clutch.

A weighted knob is also unlikely to help, I would think changing the trans fluid would be the first thing to try.
 
Removal of cdv will not help gear changes

The cdv slows the rate at which the clutch moves in relation to your foot moving the pedal,

So clutch all the way down is the same with or without a cdv

The cdv delete will help with jerky movements as you release the clutch out of first or second and make the clutch engagement quicker


My gear shift Ian very notchy I changed thaw fluid and it has helped a lot

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Thanks guys - a trans fluid change seems like common sense. Does the CDV removal really make a difference? If so, may get it done at the same time.
 
mr.nic said:
Thanks guys - a trans fluid change seems like common sense. Does the CDV removal really make a difference? If so, may get it done at the same time.

I believe it does

The car feels like it has a real clutch with a bit point where you know where it is

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CDV makes a night and day difference on non ///M cars. So pleased when I got mine done


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I'd consider a flush of the hydraulics too, if the fluid is old or contaniminated then the gear change will be difficult. It could also be a sign of a damaged slave cylinder.
 
Daffy said:
I'd consider a flush of the hydraulics too, if the fluid is old or contaniminated then the gear change will be difficult. It could also be a sign of a damaged slave cylinder.

+1 - I had my brake & clutch fluid changed last week as I was suffering notchiness and it's much better now
 
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