I got into an argument with myself while sitting in traffic, as to when to shift into neutral when coming to a stop. So I pose this question to you guys, does it make a difference to any of the components when shifting into neutral when coming to a stop. For example, if I am going 50mph and approach a red light does it make a difference if I shift into neutral right away then slow down to a full stop or should you slow down while still in gear then shift into neutral when RPMs approach 500-1.5k or doesn't it make a difference? As a follow up, will holding the clutch pedal in while at a stop damage the throw-out bearing over time or doesn't that make a difference either?

 

Doesn't matter when you shift to neutral and yes, holding the pedal down will wear out the TO bearing.

 

Shifting into neutral won't damage anything. I don't think engine braking from 50 would damage anything either but holding down will certainly damage the TO bearing.

 

You press the clutch pedal to disengage the transmission, nothing more. Your movements should be deliberate and purposeful, you either press the clutch or you don't, never ride it. Unless you're maneuvering in tight spaces at a very low speed, but this is horrible for the clutch.

 

im guily of having the clutch in too much.
I never know when those damn lights are gonna change

Uusally if I am behind someone and we get a light I will downshift because people dont know how to drive....slowing down just because the lights are coming up......green or not.
If I am leading the pack(nobody in front of me) I'm usually one to go faster up to the light and brake and down shift through the gears fast and pop it into neutral at about 10mph or less and coast to a stop. Because my brakes are like "sssssssccccrrrreeeeaaaaaccccchhhhhH"

 

Holding the clutch puts a load on the throuw-out AND the crank thrust bearings, action = reaction.
When the engine is running it is not that bad, but when you start it, it is, especially when you have a stronger PP during a cold start.
Also, coasting in gear uses NO fuel, rolling at idle does (otherwise the engine would stop running....)
With the ACT-PP (early type) I never start it with the clutch in (EUDM does not have that clutch switch)
Also, at a light I keep it in neutral, clutch out, and put it in gear when I have to, no sooner.
Yes, you get more clunk form the transmission if you want to get moving fast.


And to answer the question I usually coast in gear until the rpm's drop to just above idle, then put it in neutral.

On a slippery road too much engine braking (downshift while coasting to a too low gear) can lock the rears and that's very uncomfortable.

 

MPGs' baby!! Coasting ftw

 

It seems to me your question has been well answered.

I would just like to add something when you don't go to neutral. Don't skip gears. If you are slowing, lets say for an offramp and now you want to go from 5th to 3rd, don't skip 4 on your way to 3. With the clutch depressed run through the gears to what you want.

 

Yep makes no difference, but def dont hold clutch down wile waiting for light to go green. Learn to anticipate the lights or don't bother putting in gear till it changes. If I know I have to wait more then 3-4 sec I will just pull it out of gear.

 

Yep...I agree with s2000junky.

\rlr
Carolina