Float shifting: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Method of changing gears}} |
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'''Float shifting''' or '''floating gears''', also called "slip shifting", "dead sticking" or "bang shifting", is the process of changing gears, |
'''Float shifting''' or '''floating gears''', also called "slip shifting", "dead sticking", or "bang shifting", is the process of changing gears, in typically a [[non-synchronous transmission]], without depressing the [[clutch]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Floating Gears vs Double Clutching |date=22 April 2022 |website=Raney's Truck Parts blog |url=https://www.raneystruckparts.com/blog/floating-gears-vs-double-clutching/ |access-date=20 April 2023}}</ref> Shifting in this manner is also used with synchronous [[manual transmission]]s, particularly after a clutch failure, to prevent destroying the [[synchromesh]]es with the power of the engine. |
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Drivers can shift non-synchronous transmissions without using the clutch by bringing the engine to exactly the right RPM in neutral before attempting to complete a shift. If done improperly, it can damage or destroy a transmission. Some [[truck driver]]s use this technique with the higher gears. The technique is sometimes also used on [[motorcycle]]s,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/mc-garage-video-truth-about-clutchless-shifting/ |title=The Truth About Clutchless Shifting on a Motorcycle |work=Motorcyclist |access-date=2024-06-21}}</ref> but has largely been replaced by [[quickshifter]]s for competitive use.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} |
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==Technique== |
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After bringing the engine up to speed in a gear, the driver senses the need to upshift. To get out of the current gear without using the clutch, the driver backs off slightly on the [[car controls|accelerator]] and gently pulls the [[gear stick]] toward the neutral position. If they back off enough, a moment comes when the engine is neither driving the car nor being driven by the car; at that moment the stick moves freely, and the transmission "effortlessly" shifts out of gear. Next, to get into the chosen higher gear without using the clutch, they back off on the accelerator a little more and gently push the gear stick toward the chosen higher gear. A moment comes when the engine [[revolutions per minute|RPM]]s has decreased enough to synchronize that chosen gear; at that moment, the transmission "effortlessly" shifts into that gear. To shift down, the driver similarly backs off on the accelerator and "falls out of" the current gear, but then pushes a little harder on the accelerator to ''increase'' the RPMs enough to match and allow them to "fall into" the chosen ''lower'' gear.<ref name="berg">{{cite web |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15127617/how-to-drive-a-stick-without-a-clutch/ |title=How to Drive a Stick Without a Clutch |last=Berg |first=Phil |date=2011-01-14 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-US |access-date=2019-09-15}}</ref> |
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==Pros and cons== |
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==Use in emergency scenarios== |
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Float shifting can reduce clutch wear because it is used so much less (only for starting from a standstill). Conversely, improper engagement of a gear (when the engine and transmission speeds aren't matched) can cause wear on the synchros and lockouts, and damage the gears by physically grinding them together due to a difference in speed. |
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Float shifting can be used in the event of a clutch cable or clutch pedal failure, as it allows a skilled driver to drive to a service location. The transmission is switched to neutral, and the engine started. The transition to forward motion is achieved by pressing the shift lever into the first gear position with force, in order to use friction to transmit torque, moving the vehicle. This is extremely damaging to the shifting hardware, and is used only in dire situations. Once the engine is shifted into first gear, upshifts are be done by feel, as described above. <ref name=berg/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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[[Category:Driving techniques]] |
[[Category:Driving techniques]] |
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Latest revision as of 03:41, 22 June 2024
Float shifting or floating gears, also called "slip shifting", "dead sticking", or "bang shifting", is the process of changing gears, in typically a non-synchronous transmission, without depressing the clutch.[1] Shifting in this manner is also used with synchronous manual transmissions, particularly after a clutch failure, to prevent destroying the synchromeshes with the power of the engine.
Drivers can shift non-synchronous transmissions without using the clutch by bringing the engine to exactly the right RPM in neutral before attempting to complete a shift. If done improperly, it can damage or destroy a transmission. Some truck drivers use this technique with the higher gears. The technique is sometimes also used on motorcycles,[2] but has largely been replaced by quickshifters for competitive use.[citation needed]
Technique
[edit]After bringing the engine up to speed in a gear, the driver senses the need to upshift. To get out of the current gear without using the clutch, the driver backs off slightly on the accelerator and gently pulls the gear stick toward the neutral position. If they back off enough, a moment comes when the engine is neither driving the car nor being driven by the car; at that moment the stick moves freely, and the transmission "effortlessly" shifts out of gear. Next, to get into the chosen higher gear without using the clutch, they back off on the accelerator a little more and gently push the gear stick toward the chosen higher gear. A moment comes when the engine RPMs has decreased enough to synchronize that chosen gear; at that moment, the transmission "effortlessly" shifts into that gear. To shift down, the driver similarly backs off on the accelerator and "falls out of" the current gear, but then pushes a little harder on the accelerator to increase the RPMs enough to match and allow them to "fall into" the chosen lower gear.[3]
Pros and cons
[edit]Float shifting can reduce clutch wear because it is used so much less (only for starting from a standstill). Conversely, improper engagement of a gear (when the engine and transmission speeds aren't matched) can cause wear on the synchros and lockouts, and damage the gears by physically grinding them together due to a difference in speed.
References
[edit]- ^ "Floating Gears vs Double Clutching". Raney's Truck Parts blog. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
- ^ "The Truth About Clutchless Shifting on a Motorcycle". Motorcyclist. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
- ^ Berg, Phil (2011-01-14). "How to Drive a Stick Without a Clutch". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2019-09-15.
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