I was heading home from work the other day, decelerating down an offramp when I put in the clutch all the way and attempted to downshift into first. Despite the clutch being in all the way, it made the grinding sound like if I had not used the clutch at all. After braking in neutral to a stop and shifting into first, the light turned green and I took off and heard what sounded like metal fragments falling out of my car. I babied the car the rest of the way home and parked it.

The next day I took it on a short drive around the block to evaluate its state. It's drivable as normal, it just won't let me downshift into first from high to medium revs, and the engine braking feels weaker.

Can anyone tell me what they think the likely problem is from the symptoms before I take it to get serviced so I can decide whether to have it towed or not?

Thanks, T.W.

 

When you heard the grinding sound, was it when you were shifting or just when the clutch was pressed?

If it was only when the clutch was pressed in and only after a long drive then it may be a sign that the pilot bearing is failing.

 

It was during a 15 minute ride home from work and it was when I was moving the gearshift into first, not when the clutch is engaged.

 

Well if it drives it drives and no need for a tow. Say it was a transmission problem well you gotta get it rebuilt anyways so driving it a little won't hurt. Same with if it was a pilot bearing problem or a clutch problem.

 

Read this:
http://www.ehow.com/video_3234_drive-car-with.html

As you have found out, there is a good reason why you should never downshift into first for compression braking, especially on a decline. Now that you know how to drive a stick, hopefully you will not ruin your next transmission like you ruined this one.

BTW, it will probably cost more to fix the transmission than it would to buy a used one in good shape. While you are down there replacing the transmission, check the other drivetrain components, especially the mounts. It is likely that you damaged other components with your bad driving habits.

 

correction: contrary to popular assumption, I did not downshift directly from fifth into first, as I am not mentally retarded. amend the first post to say the above happened WHEN I had the clutch in to downshift into first as part of the normal downshifting sequence.
Also, thanks to everyone else for your helpful and not insulting comments so far.

 

sounds like the throw out bearing is FUGGED.
Best thing in my opinion is to drop the transmission and do a good visual inspection,followed by Replacing BOTH the pilot and throw out bearing.(please do this as it will only make one job turn into 2)
Now,it is up to you to drive it or not.

 

Was the car moving at all when you downshifted into first? I think that is what is unclear here.

 

+1.

Any shifting into first except for when the car is completely stopped is usually a bad idea.

 

the 'usual' downshift sequence does not include downshifting into first gear. Some vehicles have a mechanism to prevent this, which works the same as the reverse mechanism. I don't know if the fc's have this or not, never tried downshifting into first, or reverse for that matter.

and to add to misterstyx comment, if you do drop the transmission, you might as well replace the clutch, pressure plate, and flywheel. and also do your seals front and back.