Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? - The Ford Focus Forum

**WE RACE 1** · 10-25-2009, 08:17 PM

I have a 2000 ZX3 with manual tranny on a 2.0 Zetec. For a while 2nd gear has been difficult to shift into, sometimes reverse too. Sometimes it will pop out of 2nd.

The gearbox also makes some noise in neutral and 2nd. While sitting at a stoplight in neutral one day, I noticed the noise went away if I pushed the clutch in.

So I'm fairly certain I have a linkage issue. I've heard they're adjustable but can't find any solid information on it.
I'm mostly wondering were and how the adjustment needs to be made. Do I jack the car back up and adjust the tabs or is there something under the shifter?
Any help is appreicated.

**Mabolzichjjl** · 10-26-2009, 11:01 PM

i grinded shifting into 3rd.. but only when i quick shifted.. try letting the RPMs drop before shifting... it worked for me.. make sure you're not dropping your clutch too soon..

**Spyder** · 10-26-2009, 11:04 PM

I'd also like to know this because I have similar problems...

**hEaT** · 10-26-2009, 11:21 PM

Here's a how-to on the adjustment:

http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?...special%20tool

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mabolzichjjl

i grinded shifting into 3rd.. but only when i quick shifted.. try letting the RPMs drop before shifting... it worked for me.. make sure you're not dropping your clutch too soon..

Sounds like the infamous 3rd gear synchro problem.

**Spyder** · 10-26-2009, 11:26 PM

Does any have actual pics of those parts? I'm confused on where they are...

**WE RACE 1** · 10-28-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mabolzichjjl

i grinded shifting into 3rd.. but only when i quick shifted.. try letting the RPMs drop before shifting... it worked for me.. make sure you're not dropping your clutch too soon..

We must have diffrent problems. Sometimes getting the revs UP will usually allow 2nd to engage. I've developed a sort of reverse heel-toe technique.

**MillerTime** · 10-31-2009, 09:22 PM

the early MTX-75 has issues with the syncros burning up. if the linkage does not do it then you need to get the transmission rebuilt.

**sofreshsoclean** · 11-05-2009, 08:33 PM

Mine did this after I slightly bent the a link trying to install a short throw shifter. had to go somewhere so drove it like that for 2 days. Good bye sychro... Irreversable damage. had to do a tranny rebuild. Also any aftermarket gear oil will make shifting hard. I've tried them all and wasted my money, ended up using the OEM.

10-25-2009, 08:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
WE RACE 1 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? I have a 2000 ZX3 with manual tranny on a 2.0 Zetec. For a while 2nd gear has been difficult to shift into, sometimes reverse too. Sometimes it will pop out of 2nd. The gearbox also makes some noise in neutral and 2nd. While sitting at a stoplight in neutral one day, I noticed the noise went away if I pushed the clutch in. So I'm fairly certain I have a linkage issue. I've heard they're adjustable but can't find any solid information on it. I'm mostly wondering were and how the adjustment needs to be made. Do I jack the car back up and adjust the tabs or is there something under the shifter? Any help is appreicated.

10-26-2009, 11:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mabolzichjjl Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 44	Re: Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? i grinded shifting into 3rd.. but only when i quick shifted.. try letting the RPMs drop before shifting... it worked for me.. make sure you're not dropping your clutch too soon..

10-26-2009, 11:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
Spyder TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: WI Posts: 314	Re: Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? I'd also like to know this because I have similar problems... __________________ My 2002 ZX3 with tasteful mods is for sale! PM me if interested!

10-26-2009, 11:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Spyder TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: WI Posts: 314	Re: Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? Does any have actual pics of those parts? I'm confused on where they are... __________________ My 2002 ZX3 with tasteful mods is for sale! PM me if interested!

10-31-2009, 09:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
MillerTime TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Sandy, UT Posts: 712	Re: Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? the early MTX-75 has issues with the syncros burning up. if the linkage does not do it then you need to get the transmission rebuilt. __________________ 2001 ZX3 2.0L Zetec (On it's second life)- Motor - SVT Header, SVT High Flow Cat, SVT Flex pipe, SVT MagnaFlow CatBack, IceMan intake tube, FS coolflow Air Intake, FC 65 mm TB, Screamin' Deamon Coil & wires, FS 91 Octane Tune Trany - Steeda Tri-Ax/f shifter with RS shift knob, FS Alum Flywheel, Luk Gold Clutch, F2 TurnKey Tranny with 4.06 gears Suspension - FS Strut Bars, Eibach Sway bars, Koni Sport Kit, VF rear engine mount, LCR Camber Plates

11-05-2009, 08:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
sofreshsoclean Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 51	Re: Grinding 2nd. Linkage adjustment? Mine did this after I slightly bent the a link trying to install a short throw shifter. had to go somewhere so drove it like that for 2 days. Good bye sychro... Irreversable damage. had to do a tranny rebuild. Also any aftermarket gear oil will make shifting hard. I've tried them all and wasted my money, ended up using the OEM. __________________ JRSC BBK with 30lb inj. and matched larger MAF;Mustang coil and 9mm wires to Brisk LGS plugs, SVT header,cat and flex, 2.5"back; SVT airbox n snorcle, K&N panel. ported OEM T.B. ; ERG block off; New MTX trans with Torsen, 6 puck clutch, fidanza flywheel; Urathane rear mount and A "Stiffy" motor snuber. SVT Suspension, FC strut bar, OEM 17 st200 wheels, 4 wheel disc.

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