For anyone that drives a manual transmission, understanding at least the basics of how the transmission system works will help in understanding why proper shifting is so important.
Unfortunately many people that drive manuals fail to shift properly or shift in a way that actually may be causing damage to various components and parts, most often the clutch, which can lead to costly repairs. In addition some people have misunderstandings about simple shifting issues such as when to shift and how not to use the clutch to slow down the vehicle.
The Basics
A manual transmission allows you to control the power from the engine through changing the rpm from the engine to a set rpm on the output shaft. In other words, it modifies the speed or the shaft turning between the engine and the drive shaft, through the differential and to the wheels.
This is done by a series of different sized gears within the transmission itself. When you depress the clutch the transmission and the engine and the transmission disengage from each other, allowing the engine to continue to run without connection to the differential and the wheels. Then, when you put the vehicle in gear the appropriate gears engage and the power from the engine is transferred through the gears to the differential and causes the vehicle to move.
There is a collar in between the gears that allows you to shift, to disengage the manual transmission and the engine temporarily to shift up or shift down, allowing the adjustment of power through the gear ratio to speed up or slow down.
Shifting Essentials
It is critical to shift at the right engine rpms with a manual transmission to allow that collar to engage with the right gear to allow power transfer through that gear. Often when people experience a grinding noise and a vibration when trying to shift it is because they are shifting into a higher gear with too low of engine rpms, which prevents those small teeth on the collar from meshing with the holes in the gear to engage.
Carefully read your vehicle’s instruction manual for tips on shifting your manual transmission, including the recommended rpms. This will not only help to make your driving experience a lot more fun but it will also protect your manual transmission and limit wear and tear. If you are having troubles with your manual transmission come in and see us. For more information go to Trannyman.net.
