Does a Dual-Clutch Transmission Experience Jerks During Gear Shifts?

[KatherineFitz]

Dual-clutch transmissions may exhibit jerking during gear shifts at low speeds, and the detailed reasons are as follows: A dual-clutch transmission has two sets of clutches. While one set of clutches is engaged in one gear, the other set is already prepared for the next gear. When shifting gears, the first set of clutches simply disengages, and the second set engages, which allows for extremely fast gear shifts. However, the issue arises here: the clutches have friction plates, and there is a friction process from disengagement to engagement. If the engagement speed is too fast, it can cause a noticeable impact. If the engagement speed is too slow, prolonged friction between the plates can generate excessive heat, potentially damaging the clutches in severe cases. During low-speed crawling or stop-and-go driving, the clutches repeatedly engage and disengage, keeping the dual-clutch transmission in a semi-engaged state most of the time, which can lead to jerky gear shifts.