jerking when shifting up into second gear?
Discussion
I have noticed that I must have some kind of "bad habit" when shifting that causes the car to jerk a bit when I am shifting from first to second. I dont think its a clutch / gearbox problem as it used to happen in my old car occaisionlly, but more frequently in my new car with a much heavier clutch.
Basically, it only happens in normal driving (not accelerating hard), but sometimes when i engage second gear, the car bucks a bit. The only thing i can think of is that I'm shfiting up when driving too slowly, but second gear can be used when driving very slowly, so i am a bit unsure??
any ideas?
Basically, it only happens in normal driving (not accelerating hard), but sometimes when i engage second gear, the car bucks a bit. The only thing i can think of is that I'm shfiting up when driving too slowly, but second gear can be used when driving very slowly, so i am a bit unsure??
any ideas?
It's a combination of you re-engaging the clutch too quickly and changing up too soon. Some people seem to think 1st gear is purely to get you moving. Er.. no. try going to 2-3k rpm and a nice steady smooth gear change (1st -> neutral then neutral ->2nd - it actually happens a lot faster than that).
Try looking at the engine speed at 10-15mph in 1st and 2nd and timing the engine speed change with the time it takes to shift to 2nd (you can match the revs if it happens too fast).
Don't know if I explained that right... damn cider!
Try looking at the engine speed at 10-15mph in 1st and 2nd and timing the engine speed change with the time it takes to shift to 2nd (you can match the revs if it happens too fast).
Don't know if I explained that right... damn cider!
I don't believe changing up at too low a speed is the problem here. If anything it is easier to make a smooth 1st to 2nd change if you change at a low speed. There are two key factors in getting a smooth change; one is getting the engine speed well matched to the road speed for the new gear before letting up the clutch, and the other is letting up the clutch progressively.
There are many different clues which help a good driver to get the revs matched before letting the clutch up - muscle memory for the movement of the foot, engine sound, timing, and perhaps even a glance at the rev counter. If you want to work on your first to second change, I suggest you practice some changes looking at the rev counter. Check the revs in each of first and second at a suitable speed, and then watch the revs fall as you come out of first, lifting the accelerator only partly, and raising the clutch in second when the revs reach the right level. If you can make it smooth, notice the timing and the sounds etc, and try to repeat the smooth change without having to look at the rev counter.
There are many different clues which help a good driver to get the revs matched before letting the clutch up - muscle memory for the movement of the foot, engine sound, timing, and perhaps even a glance at the rev counter. If you want to work on your first to second change, I suggest you practice some changes looking at the rev counter. Check the revs in each of first and second at a suitable speed, and then watch the revs fall as you come out of first, lifting the accelerator only partly, and raising the clutch in second when the revs reach the right level. If you can make it smooth, notice the timing and the sounds etc, and try to repeat the smooth change without having to look at the rev counter.
Makes me wonder about how I generally change gear when driving normally. I try to rev match and bring the clutch up gently and slowly to get a smooth change, but when doing this in my friends car he told me to get the clutch in and out as quick as reasonably possible, not just when hooning it, but all the time (he is an engineer and works for Jaguar-Land Rover on gearboxes so should know what he's talking about).
Which is correct and will one way wear the clutch plate faster than another?
Which is correct and will one way wear the clutch plate faster than another?
I'd also say be sure that you don't increase the speed with which you release the clutch as you near the top of the pedal travel.
spoonoff, I'm no expert but know how things work etc. Personally I try to bring the clutch up as fast as possible while doing rev matching. This does mean though that I might take longer to release it that people I have seen driving that don't rev match at all.
spoonoff, I'm no expert but know how things work etc. Personally I try to bring the clutch up as fast as possible while doing rev matching. This does mean though that I might take longer to release it that people I have seen driving that don't rev match at all.
Wadeski said:
yeah i think i may be bringing the clutch up too quickly, although I was under the imperssion that lettin the clutch out very slowly would would cause wear??
It depends on the revolutionary speed of the friction plate of the clutch and the flywheel. If they are the same it doesn't matter how fast you release the clutch pedal because it doesn't slip at all. The speeds are perfectly matched.See http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch2.htm for a really simple gif on clutch operation. Where the small plate is stationary, the clutch slips until the other plate is up to speed. If the other plate is already doing the tight speed because of rev matching etc you needn't worry.
Wadeski said:
I have noticed that I must have some kind of "bad habit" when shifting that causes the car to jerk a bit when I am shifting from first to second. I dont think its a clutch / gearbox problem as it used to happen in my old car occaisionlly, but more frequently in my new car with a much heavier clutch.
Basically, it only happens in normal driving (not accelerating hard), but sometimes when i engage second gear, the car bucks a bit. The only thing i can think of is that I'm shfiting up when driving too slowly, but second gear can be used when driving very slowly, so i am a bit unsure??
any ideas?
Two suggestions.Basically, it only happens in normal driving (not accelerating hard), but sometimes when i engage second gear, the car bucks a bit. The only thing i can think of is that I'm shfiting up when driving too slowly, but second gear can be used when driving very slowly, so i am a bit unsure??
any ideas?
First, really slow the change.
Second, old Police Driving School method, take your shoes off and drive in your socks.
Eta, regarding the second, some race boots might be the modern equivalent.
Edited by WhoseGeneration on Saturday 28th June 20:54
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