G56 - Hard to get into 1st and Reverse

[prestinb]

I have a 2008 3500 DRW Reg Cab 4x4 with a G56. It has 30000miles and I purchased it with 24000. At that time I changed all fluids to Amsoil and it has been fine. Recently, I have noticed that it is really hard to get into 1st or Reverse while stopped. If I have my foot off the brake it seems that the truck rolls forward slightly as I almost have to force it into 1st gear. Same scenario on the reverse. Truck will roll slightly backward when I force it into reverse. This is while pressing the clutch all the way to the floor. Once moving, every other gear change is the same. Any thoughts?



prestinb

 

[GCroyle]

Several thoughts come to mind, one or two are not so nice, but one has a potential better outcome.



Q. Do you feel that the clutch pedal starts to "firm up" as quickly as it has in the past or do you feel some slop at the top of the downward release stroke?



If you could compare your pedal feel to a correctly functioning G56 system that would give you a comparison point of view.



Your system is a Self Adjusting Clutch cover and a Dual Mass Flywheel based system. Both have their pulses and contribute to your drivetrain. Any other clutch related observations?

 

[prestinb]

Several thoughts come to mind, one or two are not so nice, but one has a potential better outcome.



Q. Do you feel that the clutch pedal starts to "firm up" as quickly as it has in the past or do you feel some slop at the top of the downward release stroke?



If you could compare your pedal feel to a correctly functioning G56 system that would give you a comparison point of view.



Your system is a Self Adjusting Clutch cover and a Dual Mass Flywheel based system. Both have their pulses and contribute to your drivetrain. Any other clutch related observations?

The pedal is firm from the top to the bottom of the stroke. I notice no difference from when I first bought the truck except for it being very difficiult to get into 1st and Reverse sitting still. As soon as it goes into gear... driving is normal. No slippage or anything.



prestinb

 

[EricBu12]

No suprise it is acting like the old 5600 transmission I had in my 2001 2500..... Glad I went to the 68RFE. on my '09

 

[HBarlow]

Your clutch is not disengaging fully.

Could be the clutch slave cylinder not providing a full stroke causing a full disengagement or could be the clutch disc and pressure plate.

 

[NIsaacs]

Or pilot bearing is not turning freely.



Nick

 

[GCroyle]

prestinb,



If you would like to pursue testing of your hydraulic system, please PM me and I'll walk you thru the procedure.



Any other clutch performance changes?



Gary

 

[SVick]

I have the same problem, and it's much worse during warmer weather. I have a SB clutch with their upgraded hydraulics. I almost forgot this issue until it started to get warmer and towing also makes it worse.

 

[wcjp]

A lower possibility is a problem with the shift tower. During a fluid change I noticed a spare part at the drain plug. Pulling the shift tower I found my problem. It's free for you to pull the tower. You will need some sealant to reinstall. This is a good time to inspect the inner orange boot. They tend to rip then leak over time.