Why does a manual transmission shake after driving through water?
2 Answers
The reasons for shaking when shifting gears in a manual transmission after driving through water may include clutch pressure leakage inside the transmission, blocked or unsmooth transmission oil passages, or transmission oil not being filled to the standard level. Clutch pressure leakage inside the transmission: Check for clutch damage and perform necessary repairs. Blocked or unsmooth transmission oil passages: Worn oil passage plates, long-term lack of transmission oil change leading to deterioration and reduced lubrication effectiveness, excessively dirty transmission filter screen causing poor filtration, allowing wear particles to enter the valve body. Transmission oil not filled to the standard level: Verify whether the transmission oil is filled to the standard level. Both insufficient and excessive transmission oil can cause this issue. For vehicles equipped with a transmission oil dipstick, check whether the oil level is at the standard mark while the engine is running.
Manual transmission shuddering after wading is quite common, I've experienced it with my old car too. The main reason is water entering the clutch, getting between the pressure plate and friction disc, forming an oil-film-like substance that causes clutch slippage. When shifting gears, the power transmission becomes uneven, resulting in shuddering. Another possibility is water contamination in the transmission fluid causing emulsification, which reduces lubrication effectiveness - changing the fluid can solve this. If the protective boots on the driveshaft or half-shafts are torn, contaminated water entering may cause rust-induced vibration. It's recommended to let the car dry before driving, then move slowly at low speed while gently applying brakes to let exhaust heat evaporate moisture. If shuddering persists after half a day, immediately check for rust on clutch plates. If severely rusted, the entire set needs replacement, otherwise it might seize up completely someday, causing bigger trouble on the road.