Wondering if downshifting with a manual tranny is problematic in theory, and in addition- is shifting into, say 1st gear with clutch in at 30mph, is hard on the syncros...??? I mean Ialways thought that downshifting and compression braking wasfine for a manual transmission and bad for an automatic...hmm.

I'd really like to get some good perspectives here! What's the verdictpeople????


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2000 A6 2.7T 6spd
New owner - sweet auto

My indy mechanic got me to stop downshifting (as much as I was). He said brake pads are a lot cheaper to replace. I get the purpose of downshifting to slow down, but I'm over it.

Four Ring is correct. In the old days - when brakes were weak - downshifting was the way to go. But today it is not necessary. The only real reason to downshift is to be in the correct gear to keep the engine in the best torque range and ready for the quick get away.

In the interest of full disclosure the author freely admits that the following is slightly overstated to make a point. He hopes you get it!

As for going to first gear at 30 MPH - just think of those poor syncros sitting there minding their own business - then some mean spirited person says I'm going to push you against a piece of metal that is spinning at a high rateso you match it's speed. The little guys have no choice but scream as they are forced to make contact (the rape of the syncros) after awhile they give up and you have to pay.

yeah thanks for the input four rings and nhusa, seems like it's a total misconception these days...i dunno but it makes sense.

would ya both happen to know about control arm replacement? there's four per wheel in an A6 right? there is at least one out in the front-right...

I don't remember about the control arms on the A6 -

I did all the front bushings and arms on the 99 Passat and the kit was about $600(I think) from Force Five in Concord NH - The dealer wanted something like $1500.

I also did a top control arm on the rear of my Audi 200 QT. That was easy - just about an hour.

Just remember to align the beast or you'll wear out your tires

PS Force five --603-223-6700