manual tranny shudder

[bsdbytes]

Since using Redline MTL in my 01' CRV, the car will shudder when accelerating. Could too thin of fluid cause the shudder and should I try the MT-90 as a good alternative or is it just a coincidence.

BTW the MTL did everything else that it should. Super smooth shifting in extreme cold temperatures.

 

[sprintman]

Does factory spec GL4 or GL5 lube?

 

[JohnBrowning]

THe most common things that can make a manual trans shudder are warped clutch, damaged pressure plate, bad pilot bearing or bearings going bad on main shaft. THe only one that is noticed after clutch engagement is the mainshaft bearing. I would let an experinced transmission guy take it for a spin. Their is no way Redline has hurt your transmission if it is supposed to have a GL4 fluid in it! IF you need GL5 you need their regular gear lube.

Seeing how many people run GL5 in transmissions that should never have GL5 in them and or leave the OEM in it for the life of the vechile I have a hard time buying a fluid related failure!

What is the year make and model? How many miles? How hard do you drive? How many fluid changes have you done? What fluid is recommended by manufacture? Does it do it in just one gear or all of them. Is it constant or only at the moment of engagement. DOes it come and go and if so at what speed! Have you checked the fluid again for proper level. Have you checked your drive shaft?

Looking forward to more info!!

 

[bsdbytes]

I never meant to give the impression that the fluid caused a failure! This is just a very noticable shudder after switching to MTL. The vehicle is a 2001 Honda CRV with approx 55k miles on it. I did the first transmission change at 30k with the Recommended Honda MTF. I believe Honda MTF is a GL4 lube. Then I put it MTL at 50k. I'm very easy on this car.

To be more specific. The shudder happens when under load. It's most noticable in the lower gears (1-3) and less noticable in 4 and 5th. It seems to get worse the warmer it is outside. It's really pronounced when climbing a hill. All the fluid are at the right levels. This shudder only happens after the car is in gear and your foot is off the clutch. I've not checked the driveshaft but it does feel like it's in the drivetrain somewhere.

Thanks again.

 

[MolaKule]

A number of possibilities come to mind including those JohnB mentioned:

1. Coincidental beginning failure of your U-joints.

2. A thicker fluid is needed (MT90?) because the thin, ester-based fluid has cleaned out crud in the mainshaft and other bearings, leaving larger clearances.

3. Damaged transmission or engine mount. I had an S-10 one time that used to lose the hold down nuts on the transmission mounting bolts, causing the transmission to buck like a bronco!

[ February 26, 2004, 12:31 AM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]

 

[1 FMF]

Maybe the CV-joint. You're front wheel drive, right? I think they're a common replacement for what mileage you're at.
I don't think a fluid too thin would cause a shudder. If the fluid failed, you would get a constant grinding/vibration noise.

You say a shudder on acceleration... are you sure it's not the motor misfiring? Maybe it's a sign of a timing belt or spark plugs needing replacement, or other tune-up?

 

[cryptokid]

for what its worth, another honda owner who frequents these boards once told me that if the valve are out of adjustment it will cause a shudder under acceleration.
i dont know why this is, maybe some weird honda harmonics but he was right. adjusting the valves in my moms crv cured the shudder.

 

[bsdbytes]

It could be valves. They were done at 30k but are due again to be adjusted here in a few thousand miles.

To the other poster...It's on demand 4WD so it runs on the front 99% of the time and yes, the shudder is in the front. The engine had a tune up about six months ago.

 

[Kestas]

I'm with John thinking it could be a warped clutch. IT could also be a worn (slipping) clutch or bad clutch springs, since it's a problem under load in low gears.