_Remi

Hi!

I've noticed that I sometimes cannot downshift to second gear when I am driving the car at a proper pace. It seems like rev matching does not make any difference, I just cannot engage the gear (i.e. the stick would not go to 2nd). When that happens, I need to slow down a bit, release the clutch, press again and then I can downshift to second properly.

What kind of symptom is that? Everything else is quite brilliant at the moment so I am not too worried

Thanks!

_Remi

This is on a 1993 C2.

Rocket Rob

Before you tear open the tranny for a rebuilt, I would eliminate all of the possible external causes.

1) When is the last time you bled the clutch hydraulics?
2) How fresh are your engine mounts and shift linkage bushings?
3) Have you checked your peddle cluster for a crushed roll pin or worn bushings?

911Jetta

Great advice! It's quite common that you get that issue with #2. Give it a quick look:

Andy Roe

I agree that it could be an hydraulic issue, but when was the last time the clutch was changed? I had a similar issue when mine needed to be changed in that it was hard with 2nd gear (and only that gear). Changed the clutch and the problem was fixed - ie, perhaps if the hydraulic system is underperforming it'll highlight a worn clutch.

Laker

my money is on shot motor mounts.....

_Remi

Thanks everyone! I will start by taking a look at motor mounts (no idea how old they are). I like that theory since it is only happening when I drive quite hard which probably moves everything around. Regarding the clutch, I bled it about a year ago.

Laker

here's what to look for... (images stolen)

RyanH.

My clutch hydaulic issue which resulted in replacing the clutch slave cylinder and the rubber line manifested itself in difficulty getting into 2nd and almost impossible to get into first once the engine was up to temp. This was especially bad in stop go traffic. Replacing that made the problem mostly better but there were still times where it was a little notchy getting into 2nd and 1st. Replacing the clutch and release fork resolve that issue. But, given that yours is only happening during spirited driving, it would suggest that it has to do with movement of things that shouldn't.

_Remi

I took a quick look, I believe we have the culprit



I am ordering 993-375-049-09-OEM and will install ASAP.


Thanks everyone, fantastic resource as always.

Ralph3.

When are you going to fix the smile?

911Jetta

New ones will definitely tighten up the drive experience.

Fix something at the back, fix something at the front. Yin and yang

_Remi

I specifically posted a somewhat dark black and white photo so you would not notice the problematic smile

Stephen Koch

Hi this thread made me check my mounts as i have the odd problem changing gear. Do mine look in need of replacing too?



this is both sides.

Marine Blue

Yes both look worn out to me. Changing them makes a big difference.

OP: I’m not sure if it was suggested already but when was the last time you changed the fluid in the gearbox? I know it’s not exactly relevant but on my 987 the synchros are sensitive to the fluid viscosity, if the fluid gets too thin/hot then the gears are harder to engage. I noted that just before my fluid was changed I had a similar issue of engaging second gear on a hot day/spirited drive and when things cooled down everything was fine. I changed the fluid and haven’t had the issue since.