7 Reasons Why Your Manual Transmission Is Hard to Shift (And Tips to Fix It)
Manual transmissions give drivers more control over their vehicle’s performance. How does a manual transmission work?A manual transmission contains a set of gears connected to an input shaft and an output shaft. When a driver moves the shifter from one lane to the next, it changes which gear in the transmission engages the output shaft.
Synchronizers (or synchros) are part of most modern manual transmissions. Synchros help compensate for the speed difference between one gear and another when you move the shifter to another lane.
Lower gears provide more torque but require higher engine speed for a given wheel speed. Lower gears are best for acceleration. Taller gears offer significantly less torque, but still rotate the wheels several times for every revolution of the engine. These gears are optimal for fuel economy and top speed.
Most manual transmissions offer gear ratios close to 1:1, meaning the input shaft that goes to the engine and the output shaft that goes to the wheels rotate at roughly the same speed.
Top 5 Reasons Why Manual Transmissions Are Hard to Shift
When a manual transmission is hard to shift, it often has to do with a problem with the transmission system, synchronizing elements, or clutch adjustment. Below are the 5 most common reasons why a manual transmission becomes hard to shift.
1) Damaged Master Cylinder
The clutch system is made up of many different parts: the clutch master cylinder, the clutch cover (or pressure plate), the slave cylinder, the release fork, and the release bearing (also called the release bearing).
Damage to any of these components, especially the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder, can make it difficult to shift gears.
2) Low Clutch Fluid
Like brake systems, most clutch systems use hydraulic fluid to transfer the force you apply to the pedal in the carb. This force pushes the clutch forks, which in turn push against the pressure plate spring, which disengages the clutch.
A low clutch fluid level can cause the clutch engagement point to be very abrupt. This can make it difficult to start from traffic lights or change gears. If there is no clutch fluid at all, you may not even be able to get into gear.
3) Gear Damage
Manual transmission systems have many gears: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, reverse, and sometimes even 6th and 7th. There are also hub gears between 1st and 2nd, and even 3rd and 4th.
4) Hub Sleeve Damage
Depending on the switch position, it can move to the right or left. The sleeve ensures that the teeth on the hub gears and the teeth on the synchronizer ring are synchronized.
If the hub sleeve is worn or damaged, synchronization will not be possible. This leads to difficulty shifting and other issues.
5) Damaged Synchronizer Ring
Synchronizer rings have many small teeth that allow the hub sleeve to easily grip and shift into one of the main gears. With the advent of synchronizer rings, the practice of double clutching has become almost obsolete.
If the synchronizer ring is damaged or worn, it will no longer be able to mesh with the hub sleeve. This results in switching problems. Taking your time to change gears can usually help reduce synchronization issues. There is no need to rush the gearbox. This minimizes the use of the synchronization device.
6) Low Transmission Fluid Level
It is important to flush and change your transmission fluid (or transmission fluid) at the intervals recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. If you don’t replace the transmission fluid when it shows signs of burning, or if you have a transmission fluid leak, your transmission won’t get the lubrication it needs. A low transmission fluid level is not something to ignore.
7) Faulty Shift Cable
Due to packaging reasons, many vehicles do not have a direct switching connection. This means that the gearbox and shifter are located in different parts of the car. This is as simple as adjusting the cable or replacing the cable.
How to Fix the Problem
The approach you take to repair a manual transmission depends on which of these issues is causing your shifting problems. If you have air in the clutch lines or your clutch pedal needs an adjustment, it’s probably cheapest to fix those issues.
Bleeding a clutch is a lot like bleeding brakes; you’ll need a partner to help you loosen the bleeder screw and depress the clutch pedal.
If your transmission has a leak, you’ll need to plug the hole or replace the fluid lines. If you experience shifting problems, it’s always best to take your vehicle to your local repair shop right away.