nope, not normal.

 

Define how you downshift. Give it in a step-by-step descriptive picture.

 

$20 says it's not revmatching.

 

I think I know what you mean. If you "downshift" meaning from say 4th to 3rd and don't rev match properly, the clutch shudders until the revs match in 3rd. I believe this is due to the clutch's slave cylinder check valve but not 100% sure.
This happens on mine when I don't rev match..
It's not really an issue, although I've never noticed this on other cars.

2007 TL-S 6MT

 

If you mean due to the slave cylinder restrictor valve being present, then no. I have removed mine and if I don't rev-match, my clutch shudders also.

 

If you downshift without double clutching or rev-matching, which of course is very bad, a healthy clutch should not shutter. If it shutters when doing this, it could be due to a scored friction disk or one with not much friction material left on its surface.

 

I completely agree. I've never had one shudder on downshifts unless it was glazed or whatever you want to call it. The one exception was a friend that ran a 3 puck racing clutch in his Porsche, what a nightmare on the street.

 

Never heard of that one.... what is it?

As for the shuttering, I would almost bet it's caused by the dual mass flywheel. Being a two-piece unit with springs, it is a flywheel's version of wheel hop, also called spring wind up. What's your thoughts?

 

Interesting...It did that since I bought the car with about 58k on it. It had third gear replaced also.

I'm at 76k now, so I'm out of warranty, but do you think I could get the dealer to fix that since they have done previous work with the tranny??

 

I doubt it, especially if your clutch is acting properly under normal driving conditions. Besides, Acura considers a clutch to be a wear item, which it is, and I don't know how they handle such problems.

 

My 2008 TL-S was doing the same thing. It is currently in the shop for repairs to the transmission due to the "third gear issue" Mine was exhibiting the same type of shudder/stutter that you were describing. While the tranny was out I had them inspect the clutch and flywheel. I was told the flywheel was ok with no spots or any signs of friction or heat damage. The clutch was in decent shape as it only had 57,000km but I had it replaced just to start of fresh. I wont be getting my car back until next week as apparently after the third gear rebuild the car will not shift into reverse as the synchro is shot?? I was told by the tech that this sometimes occurs during a rebuild. Did the tech screw up and damage this synchro during the disassembly process or reassembly process? Anyone else see this type of issue? Even after all of this...I cant wait to get my bum back into that sweet two tone leather seat!!

 

The reverse issue is pretty common. It hasn't happened to me but I did some extensive searching on this forum and it seemed like a good number of people had some sort of problem with reverse after the TSB.

 

Really? I did know this... thanks for reporting it.

 

I figured as much, just hoping to find a way to get out of paying $1200-$1500 for a clutch replacement, if it comes to that.

 

The Acura dealership my car is at, Lougheed Acura quoted me $450 for the clutch and $850 for the flywheel. I believe that is just for parts and doesnt include labour. I got lucky and only had to replace the clutch and not the flywheel. I am currently waiting for a new reverse gear synchro to show up...on critical backorder.

 

I recently got my clutch replaced on 11/05/10.
I paid $250 for the clutch set.
a local mechanic installed it for $400.
all in all it cost me around $700 dollars, stealerships rip you off at $1200.00.

 

Good to know. Now I'd only have to find a local mechanic that I trust who will do a clutch replacement....all assuming I need one.

 

I just bought my car CPO about a month ago. My clutch shudders when I don't rev-match. I need the 3rd gear TSB done so I'll have them take a look at it.

My question...isn't this something that should have been noticed during certification? I realize they could have easily overlooked it, heck, the probably didn't even drive it. They replace other wear items at this time so wouldn't the clutch fall under that as well?

 

to expand, I bought the clutch set from Acuraoemparts.com
clutch set for $250
flywheel for $4something.