General Gear problems and squeeking

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General Gear problems and squeeking

swub

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Sep 6, 2003
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I'm having a couple of problems with my Mark 1 Punto. Nothing too serious just yet but getting really irritating.

Firstly, I've been having trouble changing down into 1st gear. It just doesn't want to select and this has now started when changing down into 2nd. I've noticed that sometimes if I don't push the lever as far over to the left it seems to select easier. It's almost like it's going past the 'junction'. Any suggestions or is it terminal?

Secondly, when I got the car in July I noticed that it squeaked quite badly when turning corners. I took it to the garage a few weeks back because I could stand no more. They thought it might be the brakes, especially when they discovered I had no rear brakes at all! Obviously they sorted this out but the squeak is still there. I'm no mechanic but the impression I get is that it's something to do with the suspension and the noise is definately at the front.
 
Sounds like your gear issue is just normal synchro stuff.

When you change gear the synchronisers have to balance the speed difference between what the engine is doing and what the wheels are doing. On low-gear downchanges especially this is a big difference. To work properly the synchros need to be in good condition, they need to have the correct amount of force applied by you, and they need to have a certain amount of time to act. Consequentially quick or forceful shifting is a v.bad idea. You quite often find economy cars end up having issues with rolling-downchanges in low gear. Try taking it easy and taking time to shift (or rev-matching...getting the engine speed to be where it needs to be before you re-engage the gear). If it gets alot worse you'll have to shell out for a gearbox rebuild, and that's not cheap.

With the squeaking, could be brake dust, low tyre pressure or a wheel bearing. If it doesn't pull to the side the sound comes from, and the handling isn't affected in any way, then I wouldn't worry too much (but maybe that's just me).
 
I noticed this happened on my sisters 1.2 punto, when trying to shift down from 4th to second you got quite a nasty crunch, however on my 1.2 16v sporting (6 speed g-box), it doesnt.

Is it only on certain models this happens? coz i know she was quite concerned with it.

Mulge Man.
 
Odds on, if it is synchro-related that the 6-speed won't have the same issues. Ford & Rover used to upgrade from 4-speed to 5-speed by using the same 'box with a slightly modified casing and sticking an extra gear on the end. This meant that any issues with the 4-speed, you were going to get on the 5-speed.

With modern gearboxes (like the Mini and Mini Cooper), although one box is 5 and the other is 6, you find they're completely different -in that example even different manufacturers. So there's no reason the problem should carry over to the 6-speed.

Also, as 6-speeds tend to be a bit more "upmarket" they shell out the extra cash on better synchros (such as dual or triple-cone).
 
I've read all the replys relating to synchromesh and stuff and wouldn't disagree (I've never had a gearbox to bits, so don't know any better!), but I too occasionally have a 'baulk' going down into second and like you, I reckon you can stop it happening by not pushing the lever hard onto the left plane. I wonder if the linkage can also wear and contribute to this (apparently common) selection problem?

Here come da judge...
 
Syncro is a common fault, I've replied lengthily about this before somewhere. It just gets tired with age. Shift into the gear opposite rather than forcing it and imagine the whole thing is a strict grid.

Spirito di Punto | M-reg 55SX, black, 5dr. Clear repeaters. Remote locking fitted, no light confirmation yet though - need relay fitted
 
I have read a lot's of regarding synchro problem and it spare me a replacing the clutch. But, has anyone went to garage to fix this synchro rings, how expensive is it? Does it require taking out the whole gearbox?
 
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