So my Evo has developed a small 5th gear grind when shifting into it from full throttle 4th at high RPMS. Car has 27k on the clock and tranny fluid has been changed twice, along with the diffs. Car has been launched plenty of times and in recent time has been auto-x'd about once a month. I have an ACT HDSS and Gruppe-S flywheel which I installed at a little over 8k. I do plan on changing the fluids every 10k now that I'm racing. Could the problem be stemming from needing to change the fluid or is there something else? I'd imagine I'd develop the problem in a lower gear since 5th RARELY sees those kinds of shifts (I do all my auto-x in 1-2, and rarely top 4th on the streets). TIA for any help.

 

If you are launching and racing, change the fluid every 5k miles.

 

^ Thanks, will do. Car hasn't been launched in a while (no reason to since no track and people don't run Evo's from digs) but I'll still do it due to auto-x.

 

I think you are right that the problem should also occur in lower gears but just to make sure try adjusting the clutch pedal rod for a higher releas/engagement point to see if that helps. I don't think it will but if there is an improvement you probably overheated the clutch at some point and the parts are slightly warped which requires more adjustment to compensate for it. If there is no improvement, adjust it back down for comfort. I figure it's quick and free so why not give it a shot.

 

That might actually work, because I have gotten locked out of second, just not recently. Thanks for the reminder to adjust the pedal.

 

This is a very common problem. Nearly all of my fellow EVO9 HPDE brothers have this issue. When going for 5th I've been pretending my shift knob is an egg! I let the RPMs drop and slowly make the change. I've only been on two tracks where I needed to reach for 5th gear. Normally I'll stretch out 4th to 7800 and coast instead.

If you are highway racing that's a different story.

 

I think the biggest thing that is over looked is first off adjusting the clutch pedal after the clutch has had some time in the car, and secondly, shifting slow and precise. People tend to depress and release the clutch faster then they are moving their hand from one gear to the next, so take the time and try it. But if your fluids have not been changed, you should change them, even if you are not launching and just auto-x, just to play it safe I'd give the transmission, transfer case, and rear diff. fresh fluids.

Jerry

 

Thanks for the advice all. Fluid change and pedal adjustment coming up.

 

Never shift 5th fast. I always slighty grind ftih right around 120ish at redline (I think that's right) Rarely when I'm WOT shifting into 5th I'm concerned with looking at my speed, for I'm trying not to die.

But, I'm getting in the habit of never shifting 5th fast, whether I'm racing or not. Frequent fluid changes are good too.

Oh so true. I do this alot. Makes me feel like a moron. Shifting/driving AWD is far different from flat shifting FWD that I've been used to.

 

So what about when you get lock out of gears cuz the clutch is reaching its end. Should I lower or raise the engagement point?

 

i just got a few question, i own a evo9mr & im having problem with my 4rth gear wnvr i shift frm 3rd half way tru 4rth gear started 2 grind. need major help b4 i do anytin 2 da car. n i have a after market clutch its a exedy stage1

 

I agree with the clutch adjustment advice if that is required, but if at any time you missed a gear , grinding it as you sliped it into 5th, then there is a good posiblility that the synchro is gone. Only 1 syncro used on 5th and 6th.

Had this issue on my Evo 9 - 6 spd where i did grind 4th gear during a gear change at 8200RPM and thereafter 4th always grinds going in regardless of speed - and my Excedy twin plate clutch is fine. Only time it would slip in nicely is if i was not at high revs and i took my time to change gears.

 

Lockout is common with abused clutches because of warpage. Usually the remedy is to raise the engagement point. It doesn't matter if the clutch is new or worn out (reaching its end). If it has been overheated and abused even just once real bad, the parts warp. The common story is that lockout started after going to the track or practicing launching, etc. On a sidenote, if you have an aluminum flywheel it makes matters worse since the steel insert warps real bad as well.

 

What?

 

Got the same problem, showed up after a day at the strip. I got locked out of 2nd due to engine movement and then when I went to shift into 5th I ground and ever since then I grind going into 5th.