Mustang Manual Transmission Gear Shift Problems
Manual transmissions are the preference for many Mustang enthusiasts. By having more control over shift points, the driver is capable of garnering the most out of the engine. Although a manual gearbox is less complex than its automatic counterpart, it is nonetheless susceptible to problems.
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Clutch Adjustment
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A clutch disengages the engine from the driven gears in the transmission for shifting. If the drive is not disengaged entirely, the gears will not properly mesh when attempting to shift. The result is a hard--or impossible--shift. The Mustang clutch adjustment location is at the pivot point of the clutch pedal.
Transmission Fluid
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Wrong, low or contaminated transmission fluid adversely affect the ability to shift gears. Ford Mustangs ship from the assembly line with Mercon or Dextron brand Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). All transmission fluids are not the same. The manufacturers recommended fluids and oils provide the best service.
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Synchronizer
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Gears must be turning at the same speed, in order for them to mesh together. The synchronizer mechanism prevents the transmission gears from engaging one another if speeds are mismatched, or if the synchro is worn. Replacement of the synchro is necessary in this case.
Worn Bearings
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Shafts--and, therefore, the gears--are precisely aligned in a manual transmission. At either end of the shafts, bearings perform a couple of critical roles: maintain shaft alignment and reduce friction. When these bearings become worn, not only is friction increased, shaft alignment is affected.
Clutch Engagement
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Habits are not only hard to break--sometimes they are hard to recognize. It is not uncommon for a driver to neglect fully engaging the clutch while shifting. While this may not pose a problem at first, over time the transmission and clutch will experience excessive wear. The result is a transmission that is hard to shift.
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References
- Photo Credit shift stick image by BaSSaBaS from Fotolia.com
