Hey guys,
What are rx-7's normally like to change gears in. I have found that in mine, getting it in to first can require quite a push especially when it is cold, is that normall? Shifting seems to take more effort now when compared to when I got my car, 6 months ago (although this could be my imagination).
Thanks!

 

How old is your tranny fluid?

 

1st is difficult on almost all cars. if you want to get to first easier, double clutch. the rest should be helped by some good synthetic tranny fluid.

 

What i've noticed helps on a few of cars is put the clutch down, move it into reverse and back into first, then release the clutch as normal...

 

Pump the clutch a couple times then put it in gear. I think this helps build clutch fluid pressure and seems to speed the gear up and you put it in easier. That is my explaination at least. Doesn't really make sense though.

 

sometimes if the clutch hydraulkica have a little bit of air or are a little worn pumping the clutch helps first thing in the cold start mornings.

 

Pumping the clutch is just like pumping un-bled brakes, it allows more pressure to be built up, and more fluid to enter the system before the air bubble can expand after letting off of the clutch each time. Let me know if that made no sense...

Jeff

 

also how loose is your clutch. there is a rod on the top of the pedal you can use to tighten the pedal up. it will help shift faster too with it tight. justy don't get it to tight or it will slip.

 

Curious, how to you put this fluid in. Is it through the inside of the car down the gear shift pattern with a small needle or turkey bastor type thing or is there a simple filler in the engine bay that I have never seen?

Also, is there a way to add lubricant(oil I assume or maybe a grease) to the places (front and rear) where the drive shaft connects. I know the front connection will spill oil(?) when you remove the driveshaft(assumed from the transmission) and rear connection of the drive shaft is bolted to the LSD (another guess). Seems like all these places could use a good re-lube.


For shifting, I can shift into 3rd to help get into 1st and 4th to help get into reverse. Double pump the clutch or a nice blip on the gas peddle also helps going into first. I think the syncro gearing is to blame for this, though I doubt it is worn, just why it happens... Miata's are worse. I drive the Miata all around and when I get into the rx7, it feels like a nice car, shifting and all. Odd.

 

The clutch hydrolics are new. Just done a few weeks ago! I would also like to know how to put the fluid in.

 

there are two plugs on the tranny. one on the bottom, drain, and one on the upper drivers side. make sure you can get the filler plug off before you drain it. otherwise you could get stuck.

jason, you just described a double clutching. 1st gear synchros are notorious for not being great. unless you have a skyline with its triple synchros on 1st and 2nd.

 

Maybe if you just did your hydraulics, theres some air in there and thats causing you the trouble? Bleed the system and see if that helps. Also, I've heard that you need to prime the master cylinder too, did you do that?

~T.J.

 

Had the same problem was always told it was the syncos not lining up. If it wouldn't go in first I would sometimes just let the clutch out then put it back in wait a few seconds and it would be fine. Other times just roll the car a little bit would do it.