Whine when downshifting into first?
- Thread starter dan1101
- Start date
Were you slowing down from a higher speed, reached 10mph, and then pushed the clutch in and shifted into first? Or were you travelling at 10mph, pushed the clutch in, went into neutural, and then back into first? I think that could make a difference in what the synchros have to do. I hear the whine when I'm decellerating from 30mph or so, downshift into 3rd to slow down, then when I'm at about 10mph I push the clutch in and move the gearshift to first (without letting up on the clutch) while braking.
I might have to make a video.
Thats what I did. I was slowing down from a higher speed. Normally I would downshift to second then leave it there it I'm almost to a stop, then push the clutch in and shift to neutral. This time I downshifted to second, then once I slowed down to 10mph, I would push the clutch in and push it into first. Went in smooth with no noise everytime. Did it like 4-5 times on the way back to work. The only difference I see is that you went from 3rd to 1st while I went from 2nd to 1st.
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AutoXRacer
Member
I have the same sounds coming from my tranny... All cars do it...some more than others... Also, when you use a light-weight flywheel it also creates this sound... It’s normal; unless it’s excessively loud... Race cars make this sound...
Going into first whenever the tranny lets you, poses no damage to the tranny nor engine; it creates no additional wear compared to normal shifting.
Coasting to a red light in neutral is the best option. But when you are approaching a stop sign or intersection, the best method is to decel with first...of course, take second down to 1000-1500 then shift into first (be smooth and gentle)...then when you reach the stop sign or intersection...step on the clutch and brake... This method will give you the best response time to accelerate/get out of the hole.
Also, it’s not recommended to have the clutch depressed for extended periods of time. When you depress the clutch the throw-out bearing presses against the fingers of the clutch pressure plate to disengage the clutch disk (the pressure plate lifts away from the flywheel). Picture your clutch system as a sandwich. Bun #1 is the flywheel, clutch disc is the middle, and clutch pressure plate is bun #2. When engaged, the pressure plate is squeezing the clutch disc between the flywheel and pressure plate.
So, when you are pressing in the clutch the throw-out bearing and the pressure plate fingers are wearing…nothing more.
And keep in mind that if you know how to drive a manual…your clutch will easily last +100,000 miles…if you are not abusing it or learning how to drive a manual for the first time. Just make sure you engage the clutch swiftly and get off the pedal.
Rule of thumb: only press in the clutch to shift into gear, downshifts, or starts from stop. Don’t rest your foot on the pedal or keep the pedal depressed unnecessarily.
And finally, in the manual under driving tips; it does say to use your tranny (gear shifts) to slow you down instead of brakes.
Pro drivers always use the tranny to slow down…then use brakes to stop… This is assuming you know how to down shift/drive.
Going into first whenever the tranny lets you, poses no damage to the tranny nor engine; it creates no additional wear compared to normal shifting.
Coasting to a red light in neutral is the best option. But when you are approaching a stop sign or intersection, the best method is to decel with first...of course, take second down to 1000-1500 then shift into first (be smooth and gentle)...then when you reach the stop sign or intersection...step on the clutch and brake... This method will give you the best response time to accelerate/get out of the hole.
Also, it’s not recommended to have the clutch depressed for extended periods of time. When you depress the clutch the throw-out bearing presses against the fingers of the clutch pressure plate to disengage the clutch disk (the pressure plate lifts away from the flywheel). Picture your clutch system as a sandwich. Bun #1 is the flywheel, clutch disc is the middle, and clutch pressure plate is bun #2. When engaged, the pressure plate is squeezing the clutch disc between the flywheel and pressure plate.
So, when you are pressing in the clutch the throw-out bearing and the pressure plate fingers are wearing…nothing more.
And keep in mind that if you know how to drive a manual…your clutch will easily last +100,000 miles…if you are not abusing it or learning how to drive a manual for the first time. Just make sure you engage the clutch swiftly and get off the pedal.
Rule of thumb: only press in the clutch to shift into gear, downshifts, or starts from stop. Don’t rest your foot on the pedal or keep the pedal depressed unnecessarily.
And finally, in the manual under driving tips; it does say to use your tranny (gear shifts) to slow you down instead of brakes.
Pro drivers always use the tranny to slow down…then use brakes to stop… This is assuming you know how to down shift/drive.
Hmmm... mine didn't make any sound when doing this today, nor has any of my other cars. Why would it make such a sound if the clutch is disengaged? I guess its just the flywheel winding down from higher rpm and the synchros are doing their job. But IMO, if its making a loud whining sound when putting into first with the clutch disengaged, you are putting into first at too high of RPMs.
AutoXRacer
Member
Oh no!!! It makes the sound when the clutch is engaged (tranny clogs spinning)!!!! It shouldn't make the sound when the clutch is disengaged!!!
Were you slowing down from a higher speed, reached 10mph, and then pushed the clutch in and shifted into first? Or were you travelling at 10mph, pushed the clutch in, went into neutural, and then back into first? I think that could make a difference in what the synchros have to do. I hear the whine when I'm decellerating from 30mph or so, downshift into 3rd to slow down, then when I'm at about 10mph I push the clutch in and move the gearshift to first (without letting up on the clutch) while braking.
I might have to make a video.
Yeah, his sounds are just from putting it into first while coasting with the clutch disengaged (pedal depressed). Something doesn't seem right to me.
Tried it again on my way home, I might be going 15mph instead of 10mph, but it does make a whining/whirring noise going into 1st with the clutch down and the RPMs not especially high. There's a little resistance going into 1st, but no grinding.
I'll talk to my dealer about it when I take it in for my 3,000 mile oil change.
I'll talk to my dealer about it when I take it in for my 3,000 mile oil change.
Ok, I tried it tonight on my way home and I got it to do it around 20 MPH. Its definitely just the synchros spinning things up to speed. Its normal but I suggest that you shift into first at a much lower speed or when you stop. It'll keep your synchros from wear prematurely.
Sorry for not mentioning this earlier...
I noticed something like this in my car recently as well. It seemed like a night and day difference. I would try to put the car into first (as was my routine at the time) while approaching a stop, but it wouldn't let me in. I used-to be able to just slide it into first gear while slowing down (with the clutch in), keep the clutch pedal in, stop at the light/sign, then release the clutch to start going again. I haven't pegged the exact speed, but it seems like I have to be going like 5 mph for it to function as I remember.
I've now started following the advice I've read in this thread and stay off the clutch at all possible times: which makes pre-shifting-to-first impossible so it's no longer an issue for me.
I noticed something like this in my car recently as well. It seemed like a night and day difference. I would try to put the car into first (as was my routine at the time) while approaching a stop, but it wouldn't let me in. I used-to be able to just slide it into first gear while slowing down (with the clutch in), keep the clutch pedal in, stop at the light/sign, then release the clutch to start going again. I haven't pegged the exact speed, but it seems like I have to be going like 5 mph for it to function as I remember.
I've now started following the advice I've read in this thread and stay off the clutch at all possible times: which makes pre-shifting-to-first impossible so it's no longer an issue for me.
AutoXRacer
Member
There is nothing wrong with depressing the clutch while shifting into 1st and coming to a stop sign or intersection, holding it until its clear and zipping along... Thats normal driving!!!
What I was talking about was being stopped at a red light (which just turned red) and wait with the clutch depressed for it to turn green.
Now thats bad...
Another scenario is when you are in heavy traffic and the lanes more very, very slowly... Keeping the clutch in for extended periods of time is bad...key word is extended!!!
With normal driving your clutches will last over +100,000 miles no problem; even longer.
Don't focus too much on not keeping the clutch depressed... Just be aware to not rest your foot on it while you are cruising and don't keep it depressed for extended amounts of time... That's all.
I didn't mean to freak anyone out!!!
turbomp301
Member
i got to give my two cents after all thats been said about this.
I own a 2001 mazda mp3 and I also have the "whine" we are talking about.
downshifting into any gear can possibly hurt your car, what matters is the speed and the technique you use to do it.
if your are in fifth at 5000+ rpms and just pop it in third as fast as you can you just might break something.
everyone here should understand how trannys work fairly well.
Downshifting into first will not hurt your car at all unless you dont match the engine speed when you engage it.
now the slower your going, the easier it is to match the rpms because its at a lower rpm. If you dont have good throttle control then you best just put it in nuetral and stop.
I myself only put my car into first gear when I know I am going to stop or at least be at a crawl. I use mostly brakes and a little engine resistence from second to stop the car and when I slow to 10mph or under I put in the clutch, put it in first but dont realease the clutch till im ready to go again.
I dont actually engage first to help stop or really use first gear in corners because I never take a corner that slow(headbang)
In summary, Downshifting into first is possible and if done properly will not damage anything. But anyone who drives a stick will tell you that 1st is a very tricky gear and downshifting into it while moving more than 10 mph is usually more trouble than its worth.
p.s. the "whine" is useful for me when slowing down next to someone. I can make them think I have a turbo(sssh)
I own a 2001 mazda mp3 and I also have the "whine" we are talking about.
downshifting into any gear can possibly hurt your car, what matters is the speed and the technique you use to do it.
if your are in fifth at 5000+ rpms and just pop it in third as fast as you can you just might break something.
everyone here should understand how trannys work fairly well.
Downshifting into first will not hurt your car at all unless you dont match the engine speed when you engage it.
now the slower your going, the easier it is to match the rpms because its at a lower rpm. If you dont have good throttle control then you best just put it in nuetral and stop.
I myself only put my car into first gear when I know I am going to stop or at least be at a crawl. I use mostly brakes and a little engine resistence from second to stop the car and when I slow to 10mph or under I put in the clutch, put it in first but dont realease the clutch till im ready to go again.
I dont actually engage first to help stop or really use first gear in corners because I never take a corner that slow(headbang)
In summary, Downshifting into first is possible and if done properly will not damage anything. But anyone who drives a stick will tell you that 1st is a very tricky gear and downshifting into it while moving more than 10 mph is usually more trouble than its worth.
p.s. the "whine" is useful for me when slowing down next to someone. I can make them think I have a turbo(sssh)
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wow.... If someone thinks the turbo spools when slowing down they deserve to think you have a turbo, lol.
actually.... if they think that sounds like a turbo theres an issue. It might, and I stress might, sound like a supercharger it at all
Doesn't the turbo spool up only when the engine has a load? I guess that's what you're saying anyway. I never hear the turbo when I use engine braking. *^_^*
LOL @ a LOT of idiots in this thread.....WOW.
No where in the OP thread did he say he used 1st gear along with engine braking.
He merely said he puts the car into first as hes coming down to a stop...That is completely acceptable and will cause no more damage then any other Scenerio in your daily driving.
For the guy who said you will wear out your clutch by holding it in for too long.....Just go away....You guys kill me with your Vast( but usually far fetched and wrong) knowledge.
I mean...Putting the car into first as you are coming to a stop sign or light is a pretty normal driving practice and will cause no damage to you vehicle unless you are forcing the gears at the wrong time.
This will cause no more "Damage" to your clutch than everyday normal driving.
And for anyone that said "downshifting while moving at all is always bad".....Your just flat wrong and very un-intelligent when it comes to automotive workings and driving skill in general.
Do you never downshift to accellerate?
...Say at highway speeds to pass someone?
Wow...Just wow.
No where in the OP thread did he say he used 1st gear along with engine braking.
He merely said he puts the car into first as hes coming down to a stop...That is completely acceptable and will cause no more damage then any other Scenerio in your daily driving.
For the guy who said you will wear out your clutch by holding it in for too long.....Just go away....You guys kill me with your Vast( but usually far fetched and wrong) knowledge.
I mean...Putting the car into first as you are coming to a stop sign or light is a pretty normal driving practice and will cause no damage to you vehicle unless you are forcing the gears at the wrong time.
This will cause no more "Damage" to your clutch than everyday normal driving.
And for anyone that said "downshifting while moving at all is always bad".....Your just flat wrong and very un-intelligent when it comes to automotive workings and driving skill in general.
Do you never downshift to accellerate?
...Say at highway speeds to pass someone?
Wow...Just wow.
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The turbo is always "spooling" if the car is running....Technically.
The Turbo is not creating boost if you are not accellerating.....
But it can make boost sitting still if you have an EMS which will advance the timing to add load and create boost while you are sitting still.
