Grinding Gearshift Explained

• Jemal's Blog: cooperroadmini.com/ (Jemal shows LOTS of answers!)
Here's what happens inside the transmission when you get a hard gear crunch on shifting. In our case, it's 2nd gear, so I show the worn out synchronizer ring and explain exactly what causes "grinding gears".

[@thomasjefferson2127]

My life makes sense now.

[@fernandovillatoro1252]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJA👌👌👌

[@xOElement]

@@fernandovillatoro1252 shut up

[@jgizzy]

I just got done with a transmission class and I still didn't understand how the synchros exactly engaged gears and where the 'grinding' sound comes from if the gearsets are always in mesh already. My teacher failed to explain this, but you did it perfectly well. Just wanted to thank you. Great video, perfect length too.

[@cuntpoopoo2968]

This channel really grinds my gears

[@DGQ1Q2]

Super thanks for your video. This is the best video about how behave a syncro worn out

[@oliverrojas7117]

Thanks to the engineer and camera person for a real life demonstration and commentary of what happens during a grinding gearshift.

[@James7796ify]

It's refreshing to see a video this clear in what's actually happening. Thank you for explaining

[@jamesford6431]

Done two years in college studying motor vehicle, and one of my main assessors failed to explain why sometimes the gears screech or find it hard to connect, but your explanation was Brilliant, thanks for sharing this video buddy.

[@shawnkiesel5349]

This is the best video on KZbin for an explanation on how transmission gears and synchro rings function... Thank you

[@MM0SDK]

This has to be the best video for describing the function of a syncromesh, and I've seen a few. Top video mate.

[@JemalCRM]

Thank you Dave! After all these years this video is the one that makes sense with almost all types of cars, not just our favorite old Mini Coopers! I always try and explain things in a way that does not require the viewer to be a professional mechanic!

[@andrewwinchel4659]

Best explanation of how synchro rings work. I've watched others tell what they do, but explanation was lacking. Great job.

[@burtonsmith7236]

I have a 2002, 3000 Mule I purchased a week ago. High gear grinds so I lowered the idle thinking that was the problem. Although lower idle made a less severe grinding. Now I know the problem. Thank you for your passion explaining synchronization of gear shift. Now it's my move...Thank you my friend...

[@davem8165]

Great Job explaining the synchronizers. I did understand the concept but didn't know you could see a gap between the cone and gear, always interested in learning more. Thanks!

[@Radio.Raptor]

This finally made me understand exactly how the synchro ring do their thing.

[@derekdicus]

That was a nice explanation. Very easy to understand and helps me know what to look for when I go to rebuild my transmission soon. Thank you.

[@TimmayFilms]

Thank you! That was a most elegantly simplified pathway through complexity. I truly appreciate your presupposition of our common-sense. You set me at - ease within moments of your opening. Me thinks it makes an already articulate explanation much easier to grasp, by perhaps the widest range of viewers possible.

[@enginemodify]

best and fastest explanation of synchromesh I've seen on here. awesome vid

[@mrreason9697]

Very very very nice video, layman terms well explained, thank you

[@gudalawrence2028]

David Jones , got a similar issue on my BMW e46 shifting from 1st to 2nd. though it doesn't happen all the time.

[@ErickeverRB]

@@gudalawrence2028 probably because sometimes have the matching speed to enter the next gear perfectly

[@humanizer12345]

This is just an awesome explanation of how syncros work. Thank you!

[@c-yabugginout7573]

I didn't even need this video but you did such an excellent job that I all of a sudden wanted to know. I now understand something I wasn't looking to learn only because you were so very brilliant in the simplicity of your explanation. Your camera lady was equally BRILLIANT with her steady hands and angles so what you were saying was easy to see visually. Well done!!

[@JemalCRM]

Thanks! I just put up a follow up video (10+ years after!) explaining more of how a transmission works. I'll tell my lovely assistant she did a nice job too!

[@hipstarchild]

I feel like I just got smarter after watching this video. Thanks !:

[@projekt6_official]

Great demonstration with a clear explanation. Fantastic job and thank you.

[@lenardodesouza2731]

This video really helped me out last night my bike was making that same noise in third gear

[@Seekanddestroygames]

That's the best explanation I've ever seen on how a synchromesh works ;)

[@RaamiKala]

very good explanation and for the first time i actually get why my car's 5th gear grinds like it does. now just to try and get it repaired..

[@joh331]

An excellent explanation and demonstration. Thanks mate !. It would have been a real saviour back in the early 1980s when every old clunker I owned had roached synchro cones. I probably would have had a crack at replacing the cones and bearings rather than buying similarly used gearboxes and installing them myself.

[@j.m.5995]

Grinding gear changes equals worn out synchros usually. Life makes sense now! Thx

[@randallmaness442]

Thank you! Short, sweet and to the point! I see alot of videos who drag off into never never land with info that even for a new shade tree mechanic its a waste of time! =]

[@ant9969]

Absolutely brilliant. You genuinely taught me something today. THANK YOU. So is this where/why double de-clutching to match the gear speeds stops the crunching??

[@runrhinoinc6191]

Great explanation for why my 1958 MGA gears grind when down shifting from 3rd to 2nd gear except when I am at 15MPH or less.

[@Spoolingturbo6]

Nice. Simple and easy to understand. Thank you sir.

[@DavidN23Skidoo]

Great Demonstration!

[@shaunjones3119]

Great job explaining how the gears work to provide for a smooth shift. I won't be able to perform the work on my car but at least I have a better understanding of what I'm up against. Terrific

[@scootingscout]

I just got a manual car, have absolutely no experience driving them but my entire family does XD. My dads wife ended up grinding her gears and it broke the car so I'm trying to learn everything I can before someone teaches me how to drive it. This video was very simple and easy to follow on what's going on with the car. Thank you!

[@joseestrada2542]

great video. jumped straight to the point and was perfectly clear.

[@daironification]

Great explanation Jemal!!

[@williamscott872]

well explained and talked through properly thanks, my vans gearbox is needing the synchro fixed now I know what they will be doing thanks

[@luisdeleon2703]

thank you very much for breaking this down to my level lol

[@daveyork0]

Thank You for uploading. Needed to see it to better understand.

[@francisguidera972]

Thank you for the informative video. It's pretty simple. I thought it was something really complicated!

[@TepcoCycleRepair]

Perfect explanation! that hand held gear explanation was perfect. Thanks!!

[@mwinanyambemwauluka580]

How are they .... new?

[@salvadormuniz5628]

Man what a great explanation! Thank you so much!

[@Next2TheMoon]

What a great expxlanation and demonstration. I never understood it but but this make perfect sense, thank you sir.

[@Hydragurum]

This was an awesome explanation I appreciate it a lot!

[@SarcastSempervirens]

the best explanation on youtube, thank you!

[@cccEngineer]

That was a beautiful explanation!

[@chevymuddigger19]

straight to the point I love it.. great video. if someone can't understand that they shouldn't be watching any car videos lol

[@BBoyGi0]

Very well detailed explanation and informative. Thanks

[@nathanb3273]

I'm watching this because I've just done it in my car and I feel guilty .... Very well explained 👍

[@patrikrusinko]

Wow! Nice explaination!

[@rowanlewisuk]

You have explained this very well. There are youtubers with 500x your subscribers that dont explain it as well.

[@thebustosfamily]

I agree with everyone else. You did a great explanation I had seen some other ones and had no idea what they meant but you did it very well. Thank you.

[@PeterMbiria1]

This is absolutely great, thanks for sharing this.

[@IIllytch321nonadinfinitum]

Nice and straightforward. Thanks.

[@lifeofmike556]

This is the best video on KZbin. My 2011 has this problem on my manual transmission. Wtf

[@massmouth]

I take my hat off to you. Fantastically explained as to why my Mini gearbox crunches. But why does this seem to happen so much with Mini gearboxes between 2nd/3rd?

[@rzmzr]

My B5 Audi has a 2nd gear crunch in cold weather, I have alreay read about the synhros and understood the problem, but never found and explanation what mechanical process actually happens. Thanks mate! :)

[@SternDrive]

rzmrz. I always have owned manual transmission cars and when it is cold I always double clutch it into second gear. My transmissions always last the life of the car. Rev match and save lots of money. Jamb it and pay.

[@RELOADINGandSHOOTING]

Very detailed explanation, Thank you!!!

[@MaciejJankowskiPL]

Very good and simple explanation.

[@GeoFry3]

Perfect explanation. Thank you.

[@isctony]

Fantastic video and explanation , thank you

[@PrakashP-gs4pn]

Thank you so much. Explained very well.This is the exact problem which i am facing.

[@joshkeith9634]

Solid video. Thank you! My 998A+ engine doesn't shift smoothly to 2nd. I presume that this is exactly what's going on.

[@VoLTJay]

Now i understand why you have to pull your leg off of the clutch slowly. the clutch part is to make it so it got up to speed slowly while applying gas to it all. it makes sense now. thanks for the tip.

[@migueldev53]

Great explanation

[@WHOSYOJEFE]

wow amazing video great description! now i know whats wrong with my bmw 6 speed transmission grinding in 3rd

[@alexlintern9779]

Fantastic explanation !

[@MacTavish002]

Nice explanation

[@youtoobe169]

Thanks for posting this! I was wondering, when you have a grind, does it cause metalk shavings or is the metal hard enough to prevent that?

[@jonathancolling2284]

Great video and I noticed you have an Optonica RT7070 cassette deck too ! They were great back in the day !

[@JemalCRM]

Wow good eye! I never even realized!

[@edwardriddle8648]

Great explanation!

[@andresrazo7317]

Wow awesome video I’m having this issue with my 10R80 transmission on low RPMs I’ll have to get it fixed asap

[@aeroguy86]

Wasn’t expecting new age Mr.Bean.

[@KenPetersVideo]

Thank you for this video. Now I know what is wrong with the transmission. I know a lot about cars, not tansmissions. You do a fantastic job of showing, and demonstrating, the problem. Easy to watch for a person with intelligence. And, it's a problem I don't have the ability to fix. However, I won't sound stupid when I take it in. Thank you for this vdeo.

[@JemalCRM]

I'm glad this is still helping people after all these years! Thank you for letting me know.

[@iamapotato5964]

Wow, great explaination!

[@ainstaink8312]

Great video! What prevents the gear from locking in? On my 2006 VW Jetta TDI, the third gear started doing this more and more where I try to shift into third and it blocks...does not let me shift it..I have to pull back in neutral and push it harder..

[@gilbertmatty5654]

Good job explaining, I've changed my clutch 3 times already, because my fth gear is grinding.

[@JemalCRM]

The grinding I described will happen even with a brand new clutch! If 5th is you top gear, it more likely has a bad bearing than a bad synchro. You never DOWNshift into 5th, so the synchro seldom wears out before the others!

[@luigir3022]

Thanks for this video. May I ask you some questions? When both input and output shafts are not moving, clutch pressed and car at rest, what ensures the alignment and the synchronization between the sleeve teeth and the blocking ring teeth or between the sleeve teeth and the gear teeth? Can those end up to a point-to-point condition and impede the engagement or the chamfer on the teeth will always make them sliding sidewise?

[@SticksNkicks]

Now I get it = Great job explaining!

[@scottmoola2311]

That explains alot... makes sense... thanks for explaining 👍👍

[@opsihota2118]

Now I finally understand what's going on with my T56 when cold... makes sense.

[@BLACKzj52]

Thank you for the video. In the winter months (or when it's say 40* F or below out) I will get a slight crunch when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Over ~40*F I have zero crunch at all. Obviously the fluid temperature is directly related to said crunch but I'm wondering why exactly said crunch is happening. Could the cold, thick fluid be causing the the synchro to spin slower than it should be, thus causing said crunch?? It's odd, but the crunch is ONLY on 1st to 2nd shifts when cold.

[@sanukchiwit1986]

Great explanation! I was having some transmission problems in my vehicle, getting an intermittent crunch when shifting from 3rd to 4th initially. Took it to a shop, they claimed to have fixed it, but even after returning to the shop for adjustments two separate times the crunching still persists. Now it likes to crunch sometimes when down shifting from 4th to 3rd and sometimes from 4th to 5th. It's strange because the shop can't replicate it and it only seems to happen after I've driven around town for at least 30 mins to an hour. I've tried to dwell longer between the clutch being depressed and moving the gear lever and tried being fast and precise while rev matching, same, sometimes a crunch sometimes no crunch. Any ideas? (They gave me the old syncros from the first shop visit.)

[@Mandla_eze_GMazai]

Makes sense.. Thanks.. My 2nd & 5th gear grinds - im using an Opel astra F20 gearbox..

[@7plymaple124]

Good explanation!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great video!

[@mattbrouillard9571]

Well explained. Great video!

[@JemalCRM]

Thank you! You know the other day I found the original post on my website that I made that video for all those years ago. It has been my most viewed video by far. More people have seen this than the total number of Classic Minis remaining! Here's the post: cooperroadmini.com/inside-the-gearbox-finding-the-grinding/

[@joshtrue0]

Really a lot of help thanks so much!

[@Meccaill]

thanks! great vid. so is the only way to fix this is to open the transmission and replace the sync rings? this could be done by any engine mechanic?

[@sebulbathx]

Great video, thanks!

[@sulkmahidonkeydek3424]

thanks for the explanation. . my 4th gear synchronizer is shot.. by which I'm mean its nonexistent ,grinds and never engages so I go from 3rd to 5th.. my mechanic is working on it so I would like to know the cost of something like this.. my warranty cover the labor to bring down n put back the trans but it wont cover fixing the synchronizer.. what does a synchronizer repair cost n what's the wait time

[@kk-yy8oi]

Thank you so so much .. this is what happened to me .. I was in the parking lot which I was on a super slow on 1st gear ..Like about 5km per hour .. because I wanted to switch back to neutral .. I guess I didn't press on clutch deep rough or I didn't put the stick completely in neutral .. it was like in between 1st and neutral .. I felt the stick bouncing with the teeth turning but no grinding sound at all ... Maybe it's still in an super low speed .. then I step on clutch to complete release .. so in that case .. it didn't do any damage right? Thanks again

[@JemalCRM]

Automatic transmissions work quite different, using constant hydraulic pressure. It's unusual to hear grinding, because they will usually fail before that, and you just get all neutral. I'm not an auto trans expert, but it should be easy to find info on your issue. Try some of the Mustang forums. Most transmissions can be rebuilt, although sometimes, a "factory replacement" can be cheaper!

[@Arklay_Ishimura]

Thanks for the info!

[@rafaelmeneses5066]

Very good explanation thank you

[@LOUDsigh]

this vid was intense! 👌✌👍can any pronlem occur from improper shifting?

[@reiannaidoo]

Great video

[@jasonneal]

Well that answers my question. At high engine speeds, shifting into 3rd gear is hard. But when I drive normal it shifts fine

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Great video 👍😀

[@her87nsxr]

Nice video!