Stiff shifter

[gtx3076]

In all the gears it just feels like getting the shifter into gear has been taking more effort than I recall when I bought the car.

I had a leaking axle seal that was replaced, and immediately after I noticed much smoother shifts, but I've verified several months later that it is not leaking.

My issue is that going into any gear there's a high threshold of resistance that needs to be overcome and then the shifter will plop right into gear. However, if I give it low to moderate effort but just wait a bit longer that resistance just gives way.

It doesn't feel like it's any specific gear, and I don't notice a difference from cold start to warmed up.

I don't think I'd normally care so much but I think my decade of electrical work has started to wear on my hands and it's just annoying that every shift feels uncomfortable.

 

[green_henry]

Have you changed the transmission fluid? Super simple on the FiST as long as you have a long funnel (they're < $5 at most auto stores). Ravenol or Red Line MT-LV are good options

 

[XR650R]

Check you shifter cable, too.

 

[gtx3076]

Check you shifter cable, too.

Not sure what to check, I'll do a search. Does changing the gear oil make a noticeable difference? I'm not grinding going into gear.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[XR650R]

Not sure what to check, I'll do a search. Does changing the gear oil make a noticeable difference? I'm not grinding going into gear.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

It felt smoother, but it wasn't shifting badly in the first place. I doubt the fluid is the problem, but it's worth a shot.
Most people put more fluid in than stock, like the full 2 liters.

This stuff is good. https://www.ravenolamerica.com/transmission-fluid/75w-80-manual-transmission-fluid-ravenol-mtf-2/