Is200 Manual Shifting Issues

[finch]

Hi All,

I have a manual is200 with a couple of gearbox/driveline issues that are bugging me. It's a stock manual with 114,000kms on it, I'm the second owner and the clutch/dual mass flywheel setup is original, feels solid though no slipping under load.

My concerns are:

1) Clutch "chirps" when it's released, not all the time but some of the time, normally when I've been driving a bit. From what I've read on this forum and others it's the release bearing, not a huge issue and fairly common in is200's.

2) When driving (especially when cold) there is reluctance to come out of 1st and into 2nd, it's almost impossible to have a smooth shift between 1st and 2nd and I notice a lot of head rocking from my passengers. Especially noticeable if I've been crawling in 1st during peak hour or hill start shifting into 2nd whilst still climbing the hill - I need an arm like Arnie to pull it into 2nd.There is also a pretty solid thud from the rear - would worn diff mounts cause/contribute this?

3) Some reluctance to go into 3rd, I'm guessing a worn synchro?

4) Putting my foot on the clutch I feel a slight 'judder' and I can hear a clanking sound (noticeable in my garage).

All these symptoms are felt during normal driving. Car gets serviced by ISMOTORSPORTS and has redline oil in the gearbox & diff. The oil has been changed in the last 5000kms.

My question is, are all these issues related, what should I replace/repair?

Thanks

[maj]

Issue #1 and #4 definitely sound related. A worn release bearing causing a chirp would also rattle when you put your foot in on the clutch. Usually a release bearing means new clutch (it's rare to get it replaced separately), annoyingly the bearing and housing itself is usually $100, but because it means a clutch replacement AND you are running a dual mass flywheel, things get really expensive because dual mass flywheels can't be machined, they need to be replaced. I would see if a solid flywheel conversion is available.

Issue #2 and #3 may well be related to each other. It might be worthwhile also checking your shifter bushings and anything else like gearbox and diff mounts. If your drivetrain is rocking about then it will definitely be harder to shift. These are inexpensive compared to synchro repair or sourcing another gearbox.

Considering you are using redline oils in your box you could probably rule that out. I would check it's the right oil though and it's replaced often enough. Redline oils need to replaced more frequently due to the additives wearing out quicker than regular gearbox oils, but the end result is they offer far superior shock protection to your synchro's etc.

[2dogs]

Hi ,
What was the condition /color of the original and susequent oil from the gearbox ?

How long have you had these problems ? Has this car had a lot of city use ,ie stop start driving ?