Pontiac Firebird SHIFTING problem?

Question

I have a 1995 Firebird 5 speed manual. When I start the car and it's cold, it shifts okay, but when I drive a while, it gets harder to shift and when I wanna go on R, it makes a noise. I just wanna know what can be the problem. Sometimes there is this smell also when I drive for a while. My dad says it needs a new clutch kit. I just wanna know can something else be the problem?

Answer 1

Dear Firebird-

Its clutch time my 1996 Z-28 did the same thing. I will tell you this. I work in a Chevrolet Dealership. Don't waste your money getting the aftermarket clutch kits. I speak from experience.

The spring on the aftermarket pressure plates is too stiff. This will destroy the seals in your hydraulic clutch system. It also destroys the Throw Out Bearing that makes the whole system work.

You are going to need to get all of the following parts to get this job done right.

Clutch Plate
Throw Out Bearing
Pressure Plate
Flywheel

Be sure you have your flywheel checked. You did not say if you had the 6 cylinder or the V-8. But if you have the V-8 the flywheel is a stepped flywheel and cannot be properly machined and will require replacement.

She be aware that this is a fairly expensive job at any shop, just be sure that you get the parts from GM.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I think Dad is right. As you drive, the clutch is getting warm , smells, and won't release properly. I believe this is a hydraulic clutch, so make sure there is enough fluid in the master cylender (up near the brake fluid resevoir)