The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble

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The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble

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The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble - 3/13/2008 3:16:07 PM

wilderdeutcher

Posts: 11
Joined: 3/7/2008
Status: offline

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 I always thought that downshifting and compression braking was fine for a manual transmission and bad for an automatic...hmm.

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

2000 A6 2.7T 6spd
New owner - sweet auto

Post #: 1

RE: The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble - 3/13/2008 4:34:45 PM

Four Ring Circus

SoCal Crew Member
Posts: 300
Joined: 2/28/2007
Status: offline

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.

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2002 C5 A6 2.7T, 6 speed, sport

At least I didn''t wreck my R8.

(in reply to wilderdeutcher)

Post #: 2

RE: The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble - 3/14/2008 6:13:05 AM

NH_USA

Posts: 754
Joined: 9/16/2004
Status: offline

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 rate so 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.

_____________________________

1997 A6 Avant
1998 Jetta
2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
one High Performance Roller Skate

(in reply to Four Ring Circus)

Post #: 3

RE: The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble - 3/14/2008 11:54:51 AM

wilderdeutcher

Posts: 11
Joined: 3/7/2008
Status: offline

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...

(in reply to NH_USA)

Post #: 4

RE: The skinny on downshifting + syncro trouble - 3/14/2008 12:57:10 PM

NH_USA

Posts: 754
Joined: 9/16/2004
Status: offline

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

_____________________________

1997 A6 Avant
1998 Jetta
2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
one High Performance Roller Skate

(in reply to wilderdeutcher)

Post #: 5