Think I figured out the shuddering when starting from a stop...can't believe it

[hotleadsingerguy]

GetRag doesn't make the MTX-75. That was actually created by Ford specifically for the Zetec line of engines (and I think even with their assistance).

Yes, GetRag makes almost exclusively wet dual-clutch systems, but they've made dry varieties in the past for VW, Fiat, and Lotus. Dry clutches in this configuration are really only good under around 250ft/lbs because they can't handle the stresses of more than that.

But, like others have said, the PowerShift transmission was also created by GetRag and it has similar issues. It's not so much GetRag that's to blame here, it's the programming and transmission adjustment from Ford...and possibly the quality of the transmission because of the contract that Ford created with GetRag for the parts. Most likely Ford said "We want to do it cheaper".

The thing is, GetRag has made some of the best dual-clutch systems in existence...the Ferrari 458 Italia used a GetRag transmission, and the current Nissan GT-R uses one. The GT-R is already hailed as having one of the best transmissions of all time. I think we know who is to blame in this.

[hotleadsingerguy]

Oh, and got my car back today. They still said there's nothing wrong with the transmission but were willing to re-flash the system anyway (but still didn't even look into the hardware). The shudder is still there, but to a greatly reduced degree. At the moment it's worse than when I first bought the car, but about on par with how it performed directly following the update.

This makes me already assume that over the course of the next ~500 miles it will slowly degrade back to where it was before dropping it off (the previous 7 times). If this is true I'm going to go back to the dealership, demand they just reflash the system again (since I already know they won't touch the hardware), and then trading it in for a WRX as soon as I can get one ordered in. I'm done with this company for the rest of my life.



Shame, after purchasing 8 new Ford cars in the past 10 years I'm now swearing off the company for myself, my entire family (who is a *huge* Ford family since my grandfather worked there for 42 years), and anyone I can tell. I'll also make sure to mention the entire story to the local news organizations. Cleveland news organizations love stories like this :)

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by raptor1956

No I don't, but the grinding noise aint happening without grinding going on and the likely items to be grinded are the gears and synchros...


Brian

The description of a sound made by a mechanical device can be highly subjective, no?

Every so often (at low speeds) I hear a sound made by the clutches that I would best describe as "rattling". I can easily imagine someone else calling it "grinding".

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by feta_mgp

Getrag in this case would be the last company I would be blaming.

From everything that we have learned, it would seem that the transmission itself is highly reliable with the seals as the only known recurring problem.

[raptor1956]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

The description of a sound made by a mechanical device can be highly subjective, no?

Every so often (at low speeds) I hear a sound made by the clutches that I would best describe as "rattling". I can easily imagine someone else calling it "grinding".

Yes, diagnosing anything based on a customers description of the noise is rife with error potential. However, since I'm not having the problem the description of grinding isn't mine but MANY on this forum. A rattling sound might be gears/synchros but it might also be the clutch pack.


Brian

[PratoN]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

The description of a sound made by a mechanical device can be highly subjective, no?

Every so often (at low speeds) I hear a sound made by the clutches that I would best describe as "rattling". I can easily imagine someone else calling it "grinding".

I agree. Not really sure what the differences are between chattering, rattling, slipping, grinding, etc. Lately, I've been calling it "slipping".

Stay tuned for a video upload! (In like... 2-4 hours lol)

[raptor1956]

Originally Posted by Kabigon

From everything that we have learned, it would seem that the transmission itself is highly reliable with the seals as the only known recurring problem.

It may well be that almost all of the issues with the DCT can be traced to bad seals! If the seals are bad and the clutch packs get FUBARED then all manor of problems can happen, including:

1. Shudder

2. Jerkyness

3. Rattling noise from clutches

4. Grinding noise from gears/synchros


If the clutches get hosed the system may adapt by NOT engaging the clutch completely thereby causing the grinding noise due to gear/synchro issues.


It could ALL be a consequence of bad seals. If it is then Ford may wind up paying $1500/car to fix a $10 problem!!!


Brian

[narkotskyb]

Still no work from dealership on my car. But I did a lot more driving in the rental and o boy I'm pissed atm.
Effing rental SEL with 13k+ miles - just like my Ti - does not have any of the torque/shifting/power issues nor does it have any of the steering idiocy (left/right pull & vague center feel) that I was told as well is a normal for Focus. Well... I'm soo glad I got this specific loaner - driving it was an eye opening experience.

[hotleadsingerguy]

Originally Posted by raptor1956

It may well be that almost all of the issues with the DCT can be traced to bad seals! If the seals are bad and the clutch packs get FUBARED then all manor of problems can happen, including:

1. Shudder

2. Jerkyness

3. Rattling noise from clutches

4. Grinding noise from gears/synchros


If the clutches get hosed the system may adapt by NOT engaging the clutch completely thereby causing the grinding noise due to gear/synchro issues.


It could ALL be a consequence of bad seals. If it is then Ford may wind up paying $1500/car to fix a $10 problem!!!


Brian

Again...the problem is that most dealerships refuse to even look into it. Replacing the seals may very well help with the way the car operates, but many Ford dealerships are insisting that nothing is wrong with the car and won't even look into it.

[primetime]

Dropped off my car today. Mentioned about them checking the seals on the transmission. I got a, "we'll test drive it to replicate your concerns and if we find anything we'll go from there" response.

The guy checked if there were any bulletins in regards to the problems mention with regard to the transmission, but he said there weren't any.

I'm doubtful this will get fixed, but i just can't swallow a financial loss on this car right now by trading it in for a different car.



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