clutch / gearbox problems

[Wiggy]

I have had a problem with my gearbox for some time (about a year). The synchromesh has gone in second gear. I dont know whether the problem I have now is related but...

I have just noticed an intermittent problem with the clutch.
When I put the car in gear and raise my clutch pedal I get past biting point and as I am about to take my foot off there is like a click feel to it. as if there is some resistance. The click is really faint but I am paraniod because if I need a new clutch I will have to do the gearbox and that is ££££

The problem doesnt happen in neutral, and after the car has been running for 15 / 20 mins. Intermittent is that it happend 5 times on way home in traffic (used gears a lot)

I have only noticed this today but was just wondering wheter this is a tell tale sign of something

Car is a 99 T plate 1.6 with 46,000 miles

 

[Tom]

You SURE the synchro has gone on second? Could be the clutch is just dragging a bit. Check your brake fluid level.

My clutch lasted 77k and the gearbox is spot on. Its survived 50k of my driving and I'm not THAT gentle with it

 

[Dan]

sorry to thread hi-jack but its kinda related.
Tom, as I have said previously, my car drags between 1-2nd and 3-2nd.
I looked today and my break/clutch fluid level has now gone over maximum. when I first got the car. nearly 2 months ago it was normal.
What would cause this and is there something wrong?

Dan

 

[Tom]

OVER maximum? MORE fluid?!

You done the brake pads lately?

 

[Speersy]

mine drags through the same gears to, I have noticed tho that the gearbox has started to rattle loudly so bloody anoying will have to check the fluids see if mine has done that to

Lee

Speersy

 

[an1m4l]

Will the mechanic servicing my car (10,000 miles ago) said it was the synchromesh. All levels are ok under the bonnet. the gearbox fluid was checked and this was ok with no leaks. I drove to work this morning and it was ok??

I can go up into second at any time from first. Its comming down from any gear that is the problem. It will only go in without crunching under 20MPH and even then it is really bumpy.

it happens comming down into 3rd as well doesnt crunch but really bumpy at certain speeds, only seems to happen when arround 30MPH. If i take it down to 3rd at 40MPH it is really smooth.

any suggestions??

 

[Dan]

nope tom, I havent changed anything on the car bar having it remmaped since i got it.
yes, the level itself has gone over maximum without adding or taking anything away. break are as good as always tho.
thoughts?

Dan

 

[Tom]

Change the gearbox oil and work on your gearchange technique.

 

[Wiggy]

So if my gearchange technique was wrong why does it go in smoothly at certain speeds an lumpy in others?

Wiggy

 

[Tom]

Cos thats how gearboxes work If you get the speed right you can change without a clutch.

 

[speersy]

why would it only happen in certain gears then is that a pychological thing

Speersy

 

[Wiggy]

Cheers Tom. I am saving for a gearbox recon anyway. anyone any idea on prices.

I have adapted to the gearbox ok. You jus just have to use foot break more than i like

Wiggy

 

[Tom]

Its easier to replace brake pads than to replace a gearbox.

 

[Wiggy]

true but when you want to drop it into second to get a bit of power and you get 'crunch' it doesnt feel good . I will be replacing it soon because i have the money to do it

Wiggy

 

[speersy]

would something like that just be because it needs an oil change. or could it need stripping?

Speersy

 

[Wiggy]

when the mechanic checked it the oil was ok so I think it needs stripping and doing up again

Wiggy

 

[Nick]

As Tom says, it is possible to change gear without a clutch. Trickier in lower gears but possible with practice. However, a clutch makes life easier and if you want to change from 3rd to 2nd you can make life easier for the gearbox by double-declutching to help everything syncronise, and using the accelerator to try and match engine speed with gearbox speed. Again it needs practice to make it quick.

If you change normally but try and do it fast, you are asking various cogs and shafts in the gearbox to change their speed and momentum very quickly. They can object to this!

If you have a notchy gearbox and everything checks out it may be worth changing the oil - it can have an effect on the quality of gearchange.