need bb Posted March 31, 2019 Share Posted March 31, 2019 Last week I was sitting at a stop light and I tried to shift into 1st gear, but it wouldn't engage. I had to double clutch to get the car into 1st and even this was more difficult than normal. This same symptom has now happened multiple times. I have also noticed that the shift from 1st to 2nd which used to be buttery smooth, requires a bit more effort. I checked the front tranny fluid and it was full. I have always been gentle with the tranny so I don't think the syncros would be shot after 100k miles. When the car is off the tranny is super easy to shift. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awfulwaffle Posted March 31, 2019 Share Posted March 31, 2019 Something similar to what you described happened intermittently in both my 42k mile WRX (5 speed too) and my 140k and 160k mile Legacies. Usually I can shift into reverse and out, after which point it'll go into first. The opposite is also true (not going into reverse, shift into first then it works). However, can't be sure that it's exactly the same kind of thing without experiencing it personally. You said the trans is full, but when's the last time you changed the oil? I believe the interval is 30k miles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitexc Posted March 31, 2019 Share Posted March 31, 2019 Sounds like a possible synchro issue. Maybe not to the point of needing repair but something a fluid change with quality trans fluid would help. Original clutch? What do you guys run in the MT boxes? Ford guy here and RP Synchromax always fit the bill in the T5's, etc. Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apexi Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Red line 75w-90 NS is my favorite. Also tried supertech synthetic blend, amsoil severe gear, subaru extra s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need bb Posted April 1, 2019 Author Share Posted April 1, 2019 Tranny fluid is Motul gear 300 and only has 10k miles on it. Clutch is a south bend with 20k miles and never had any issues with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 What does the clutch fluid look like ? Is it low ? 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RckyMtnGT Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 I'd be checking clutch hydraulics. If you can pump the pedal a few times and it works for a bit, then it sounds like a leak somewhere - check the fluid level, then look for a leak at the clutch master cylinder, the flex hose, or the slave cylinder. Master cylinder can leak on the cabin side of the firewall as well, get a flashlight and look up at it from inside the car. The rubber boot that the rod passes through will get all greasy and nasty. If its really bad it can run down the firewall and make more things nastier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need bb Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share Posted April 2, 2019 Thanks. I will take a look at the clutch hydraulics/fluid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooNo2 Posted April 4, 2019 Share Posted April 4, 2019 +1 for clutch fluid. Mine was leaking from the rubber hose a few weeks ago. I replaced it with a braided stainless steel one I had in my parts bin and replaced the slave cylinder. After bleeding it works great, but now I realize that I need to replace my clutch again because of the engagement point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need bb Posted June 6, 2019 Author Share Posted June 6, 2019 My clutch fluid was at the low mark and I found that the OEM clutch hose was slightly wet. I filled up the clutch fluid, but the issue still exists. I ordered a stainless hose to replace the OEM one, but I am not confident this will solve the issue. I noticed that if I turn off the car I can easily get it to engage 1st. Not sure if this leads me to any sort of direction/conclusion of the issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted June 7, 2019 Share Posted June 7, 2019 I think after you bleed the new hose. You'll be fine. How old is the clutch ? 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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