'04 GT 6 Speed Shifting Question

[BWCAVibe]

Hi,

I have owned this GT since 21K. It now has 108K. From the first time I drove it until now, the downshifting in 2nd or 1st (so, going from 3rd to 2nd, then 2nd to 1st) can only occur at MUCH lower speeds than the owners manual states. The manual states I should be able to downshift from 2nd to 1st at about 20 mph. I have to be close to stopped to shift from 2nd to first. Is this common, or for those that have 6 speed GT's, do you experience similar shifting characteristics? If not, what may be a potential fix? My issue is really when city driving, especially in traffic, I kinda disrupt the flow of traffic, as I have to be almost stopped to downshift to 1st.

On a second note, lately, I have been getting steering wheel vibration at roughly 60 mph, but only going down slight declines. The vibration lasts for maybe a few miles after that, regardless of whether I am going up a hill on a flat, etc., then back to normal for literally several days before it occurs again. The tires have been balanced a second time with no change..could the tire place that I trust and have been going to for years still not have it right? The weights are the stick on version, as I have the 17" alum, wheels., or is thisa CV issue...they are original?

Thanks

[gtv237]

Have you ever changed the transmission fluid? Over time it breaks down and puts extra wear and tear on softer metals like the shift synchronizers. Another possibility is that the clutch could be grabbing even when the pedal is down. That can happen if the pedal is out of adjustment or if the master cylinder is leaking internally.

Generally speaking though, 20mph is pretty steep to shift down into first. I can't imagine why you would want to unless you want your engine near redline.

The shifter bushings could also be worn out.

[BWCAVibe]

Thanks GTV. I should have stated that I would not want to downshift at 20, just that what I experience is way, way different than indicated in the owners manual. Would there be any other symptoms of worn shifter bushings, and would they have been worn at 21K, if the last guy did not know how to shift? I had to replace the clutch at 52K, which I attributed to the first owner not knowing how to shift. With both the old and new clutch, the shifting has been the same.

Thanks

[sideshowalan]

Ignore the manual, there is no reason to shift from 2-->1 unless you're barely rolling or stopped.

I agree about the transmission fluid and the shifter bushings.
Use Redline MT-90 for the trans fluid and change to brass shifter bushings.

They'll give you a more positive shifting feel than the stock rubber ones that give when they're pulled on. The bushing can be changed with the car still on the ground.

[trb]

Ditto on changing the fluid. It can make a BIG difference in shifting. I used the Pennzoil Syncromesh manual transmission oil in mine like Monkey Wrench Racing recommends: http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/produ ... ts_id=1352

You can mix it with the Redline also.

As for shifting, I almost NEVER downshift when slowing down, and only downshift if I need to use the engine braking on purpose. I upshift 1-2-4-6 usually, and when I'm slowing down, I wait until the rpms reach about 1K, I drop it in neutral until I stop. In slow traffic I do keep it in 1st or 2nd until I either need to stop or accelerate. If I don't think I will stop. I put it in 2nd and work the clutch to keep it rolling.

Regarding the original clutch, I think that the originals were a bit weak, or almost every original buyer could not drive it! On my 03, the PO had it replaced at about 40K since it started slipping, and again at 198K.

Good luck with it!

[BWCAVibe]

Just got done replacing the original rubber shifter bushings with Speed Source brass bushings. It was a little struggle, as the brass center of the old rubber bushings were basically welded on with corrosion but some PB Blaster and a pencil torch did the trick.

The difference is REALLY, REALLY noticeable. IlAll these years, I Cant believe I did not do this sooner!

[gtv237]

Just got done replacing the original rubber shifter bushings with Speed Source brass bushings. It was a little struggle, as the brass center of the old rubber bushings were basically welded on with corrosion but some PB Blaster and a pencil torch did the trick.

The difference is REALLY, REALLY noticeable. IlAll these years, I Cant believe I did not do this sooner!

Does it feel too harsh though? I've been wanting to do this but I worry about the shifter feel. I like it buttery smooth.

[ImUrOBGYN]

I liked it but thought the shifter base bushing were more or a noticeable change in feel that the shifter cable bushings. I expected the exact opposite. All bushing were easier except for the horizontal cable bushing. That mf'r.....

[BWCAVibe]

GTV, I am no shifting expert, but I would have to say that it is as close to buttery smooth as I have experienced with this car. It is like night and day. I have owned the car since 21K, and I actually never liked to drive it because the shifting was horrible. That was probably the reason the clutch went out at 51K (between me and the guy before me), as there was never a good feel of the gears meshing smoothly. 1st and 2nd gears were jerky unless you let out the clutch super slowly. I was actually considering selling it (I have 2 older Foresters that are really handy here in the winter), but because of the new shifter bushings, I just want to drive it now. So kudos to Speed Source.

OBG, yes the horizontal one was tough. My left hand was all scratched up and bloodied from trying to get the old bushing center aluminum post piece off. What are the other bushings you are talking about? I would like to take a look at those...maybe I can get even more smooth shifting?