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Clutch/tranny issues/questions

Joined
24 May 2002
Messages
2,451
Location
Dana Point, CA USA
Hi guys - Sorry that this is a repost from the technical and do-it-yourself forum but I'm not getting much response over there and was hoping to pique the interest of some of our more knowledgable members (Mr. Basch???) :biggrin:

I've searched both the FAQ and the board in general and found a lot of good information. And while I haven't found exactly what I'm encountering, I've found some folks with similar issues. However, I'd like to open this up to everyone in hopes of getting the input from some of you more knowledgable and car savy guys as to the issues that my specific NSX is experiencing.

I have a 1998 NSX-T with about 44K on the odomoeter. It's either the original clutch or an OEM replacement. Since I bought the car a few months ago, I've experienced "notchy" shifting but Autowave says that's normal.

I know I'm driving the car a lot more now (more than I ever expected to because it's so damn fun to drive) and I don't know if that's the reason why it's becoming more noticable or if the issues are becoming worse but, here's what I'm experiencing.

1) Clutch "chatter". I know from searching that this is somewhat normal but... my NSX "chatters" quite a bit from a standstill when accelerating in first gear. But here's the kicker... it is much, much more pronounced when the car (not necessarily the motor but the gearbox, etc.) are relatively cold. (ie when first driving after starting in the morning, etc.).
2) Notchy shifting. If I'm not super careful, my car will grind when going into second gear the first time I shift into second while driving. I've now learned to double clutch and/or shift very, very slowly the first few times. This issue gets a lot better as the gearbox warms but second remains much more "notchy" than any other gear.
3) "Grabby" gear box. I'm not sure how to explain this. Again, it's worse when the gearbox is cold. Sometimes I can almost feel the gear lever being grabbed at when downshifting. It's almost like the car doesn't want to let the gear come out of say third and into second. It feels very direct and mechanical and I'm not sure how else to explain it.

That's it. These problems all seem weird to me. The tranny isn't slipping (have tried the hill test, etc.), isn't popping out of gear, and doesn't smell funny or anything.

Some other things that might help you help me diagnose.

1) The car had all the fluids changed when local specialists Autowave did the timing belt, water pump, hoses, valve adj., etc. when I bought the car at 42K miles a few months ago.
2) The clutch pedal is being completely depressed and I have some play at the top of the pedal range (which I understand is normal).
3) I've really only owned MT cars my whole live and have always driven a stick since being licensed some 17 years ago. I'm no Ayrton Senna but I do know how to properly drive a MT and my experience driving trucks, 4X4s, sedans, sports cars, and motorcycles tells me that this isn't something I'm doing wrong.

Your thoughts/insight/help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Christian
 
i think nsx gears are all notchy in general. I have same problem with notchy gears. Maybe Redline MTL will help. Its naturally worse when cold.
 
I live in Florida where it never gets cold so I havn't experienced any on the symptoms that you have with my NSX. I have however, experienced many of them on numerous BMW's that I've owned and driven while living in New York. Redline MTL solved all but the worst synco wear problems with those cars and may be worth a try. After all you can change the trans fluid rather easily and switch back if there is no improvement. Trany tolarances are very critical are not at all forgiving if not right on. The kind of things you mention sound like a "stack tolarance" (when several tolarances are off and the net effects are combined) problem to me but that is just a guess.
 
I have an 02, and complained when I first got the car about the 1-2 upshift when cold. This is completely normal, and when fully warmed up is not a problem. My tranny is like butter (compared to my C5 before this) and isn't notchy either up or down when the car has had it's time to fully warm up. While I'm sure that you've been told not to go into VTEC when the engine is cold, you should also take it easy on the tranny until it's warmed up, after that, have fun. As far as the clutch is concerned, I find that compared to other cars, the clutch catches high, does seem to "chatter" a bit, but this is normal for OEM, and doesn't give me any problems on launch or anything else for that matter. I have over 22,000 miles on the car/clutch, and it doesn't feel any different today than when it was new. The car has been pretty much trouble free. You might want to try switching out the fluid as I do recall others saying that it helps. :biggrin:
 
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