Possible clutch problem

Hi folks, I've been reading some threads, and I'm definitely bringing my car in to have the clutch looked at. I'm hoping that someone with the technical knowledge can give me a little background information on the problem I'm having. I bought the car with 9,900 miles on it, and now it has about 13,400. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the shifter started to feel "scratchy" right before it slides into place. Sort of like when you try to force it into 1st when coasting too fast i.e. 12 mph with engine revs at idle, although not as bad as that. Or, like when you're trying to shift when the drivetrain hasn't warmed up yet. This tough engagement (scratchiness, scraping) happens even when the car is standing still, even with the motor off. However, I've noticed that if the car rolls a couple of feet in neutral, it'll shift normally. The problem comes and goes, but more often than not, the problem is there. It started happening literally overnight. Is this the clutch, or maybe the synchros? The reason I think it's the synchros is because it started to happen a few weeks after I started doing rev-matched (mostly) downshifts. And, I started to see the same symptoms on my previous BMW Z4 shortly after I started to learn downshifting. SInce I learned on the Z4, my rev matching on the Cayman is (I think) almost flawless, but I still wonder if I'm doing anything wrong. Thanks in advance.

Could be a few things - Clutch slave cylinder is on the way out... the bolts on the flywheel are not torqued properly (known issue - do a search, there's lots to read) or it could be the shift linkage cables - sometimes they come loose. All of these are easily fixed under warranty. If there's damage to the clutch, they'll replace that. too. Do take the car in right away... Probably not the synchros - they are very tough, and if you're doing as well at rev-matching as you say, then that should not be a problem - I've seen these transmissions take a lot of abuse by DE students learning to heel-and-toe, and still be just fine for a long time. brad

I'm bringing it in for service next week. I've also noticed that it REALLY doesn't want to go into first gear while rolling, even as slow as 6 or 7 mph. Is there a lockout on 1st at slow speeds? Is this normal for the Cayman?

AFAIK, there's no lockout - I've used H&T a couple of times in autocross to get down into 1st on some tight corners without a problem... this is starting to sound more and more like any of the above three problems... is the car a daily driver? If so, you might want to see if they can take the car in now and get you a loaner... this will only get worse if it's the bolts or slave cylinder, and you don't want to end up stranded if eventually the car won't go into any gear. brad

I really appreciate the feedback. I took the car out today, and now I'm having some trouble getting into 2nd gear at lower speeds. This is definitely getting worse. I have an appointment for tomorrow morning to have the dealership service dept. look at the car. I'll report back with details after it's fixed. I was planning to do a 250 mile drive this weekend, but decided against it after reading the posts here. This group is the best.

Five bucks says it's the flywheel bolts loosening up. The symptoms are spot on for that. I had this problem in my 944 Turbo. I was hoping for a bad clutch slave cylinder and changed it first only to find it was a waist of money. My car had suffered a common failure for the 951s, the interior clutch disc springs broke apart and lodged themselves in the clutch disc material, causing the clutch to drag and the same symptoms you describe. The dealership will get it straightened out for you. If it is the flywheel bolts, ask them to replace the clutch disc while they are at it because you are concerned it has been damaged. If they do, you'll get a nice new clutch on the house......

I wonder if I buy the short throw shift kit from them, if I can get them to install it without charging me for the labor. :beer:

I agree with Gator Bite - now that it has progressed to 2nd gear, it's almost certain to be the flywheel bolt problem. Be careful on the drive to the dealer... Well, maybe - it wouldn't hurt to ask... the worst case, they say, "no..." best case is a "yes." But don't be surprised if they don't. If they have to go into the clutch, they'll be pulling the motor, but won't really be going anywhere near the shifter mechanism in the cabin. brad

No problem here shifting into 1st even at 15MPH...

that's the second post today about clutch problems. I don't seem to have any problems. I try to adjust the revs when downshifting into 1st, especially when still moving. I'd hate to get stuck in the middle of the road. It looks like it's gradually happening to you, so you have time to go to the dealership before it gets worse. Good luck and keep us posted.

Aka-Wani - If you were by chance to do a search on "clutch" or "flywheel bolts" you would find quite a bit on this known problem - (there's even more threads down at the bottom of this page) quite a few cars have had this problem - nowhere near a plurality, but quite a few. Search, read, but don't really worry too much... the percentage is small, the symptoms are obvious (especially after you read the material you've searched for) and the fix is under warranty, and there are no reported cases of it coming back once fixed. brad

Here's the report. I dropped the car off at the dealer this morning. Right next to Jerry Seinfeld's CGT, which is in for a new clutch. A $20k job according the the SM. He said that not only do they have to drop the engine to get at it, but they have to remove the rear body panels to get at the engine. Anyway, Porsche is picking up the tab, even though it's not under warranty. He also told me that even in 2nd gear, the CGT overcomes the SC and fishtails wildly. Sorry for the tangent. The SM took the car out with me and noticed the problem. He also told me that I should avoid shifting into first while the car is moving. I just got a call from the dealer, and they said that it's been fixed under warranty. Shifter cables needed adjustment. I don't have time to get over there until Monday, but I'll report back after I've driven it. Thanks again to everyone who offered info. BTW, the SM said that the flywheel bolts usually come loose at a little over 1,000 miles, and if they don't loosen early like that, then they probably never will.

Ok, I got the car back. Here's the service report: "Remove console, adjust cables, lube shifter assembly, remove linkage off trans, lube all jointed "joints dry" Good as new.

Ok, I got the car back. Here's the service report: "Remove console, adjust cables, lube shifter assembly, remove linkage off trans, lube all jointed "joints dry" Good as new.

OK, looks like I owe you five bucks.... What's fair is fair. I see you're in NY. I'll give you two options: 1. Wait until I get my car (September) and I'll drive down to your area, meet you for a coffee and pay up. (I'll buy the coffee too, interest on the dating) 2. PM me a mailing address and I drop you a payment.