29 replies to this topic

[rvrftw]

Well... it appears something is wrong with my clutch.
It randomly decides not to into gear when the engine is running (sometimes it will go in with force).
I've tried bleeding the clutch, but there isn't any air in the system.
Also if I put it into gear then start (with clutch in) it doesn't try to roll forward.
I'm starting to think it isn't the clutch, but is something wrong with the gearbox.
Does anyone have any ideas?

[Ian91]

I had very similar simptons a while ago, went and got it fixed, and it was to do with the fork or the pivoy, they had to pack out the pivot with washers, and do a new clutch kit as the problem I was having killed the clutch plate

[Gianni]

As above try the washer behind the pivot ball.
But before that it couldn't hurt to adjust the rod at the pedal for a bit more throw.

[rvrftw]

cool... thanks for the info...
I don't think it needs any more throw... clutch engages fine... just won't go into gear easily (or at all at times)
i.e. once in gear, push clutch, works.

[Gianni]

Is the pedal defiantly going all the way to the floor?
When did it start happening? Were you working on the car? Or just driving along and it got worse over time?

[rvrftw]

The pedal is definitely going to the floor... And is still as stiff as always. Randomly it will drive fine.
It just started happening while i was driving.
I am sure that the clutch is working... It just seems like the gearbox doesn't like going into gear. When it doesn't work, it won't go into 1st at all, 2nd is quite difficult, 3rd is a bit easier, but it doesn't have a problem going into 4th or 5th though.

[BMGTZ]

change the oil....being too thick maybe the cause of your issues.

Eehh not you being thick...the oil...

[rvrftw]

The gearbox oil?
If so... Why would it take 6 months to start playing up (gearbox oil was changed 6 months ago)?

[BMGTZ]

has it got hot since then...cooked.

was it a gradual thing or sudden

what was the oil you put in....

[rvrftw]

It hasn't gotten hot (as far as im aware).
I don't know what oil was put in (mechanic did it when they changed the lower engine mounts).
It was all of a sudden.
However the clutch resovior emptied a couple of days before it happened. I refilled it and bled all the air out (and it hasn't dropped since).

[BMGTZ]

if you are confident that the oil is the correct grade then leave it. using the wrong oil usually has a slow deterioration in the feel of the gear change.

cylinder bypassing? ......try another one.

had one go in a corolla....felt spongy.

check that the carpet inside doesnt smell like brake fluid.......that fluid that disappeared went some where

[Gianni]

As above clutch fluid leaks are not good when shifting. It's either your slave (but you would have noticed that when bleeding). I think master cyl too. I've had that in a cb before and similar symptoms with fluid (but I was able to shift fine Untill low on fluid)

[rvrftw]

Ok... so the plot thickens...
If I start the car in 1st, it changes gears fine, and clutch disengages properly. However if I start it in any other gear (or neutral) it feels like the clutch isn't fully disengaging (i.e. revs drop when in gear and the car crawls forward) and it won't go into 1st at all (feels like something is blocking it) or reverse (just grinds when I try reverse).

This has me really stumped.

Oh and the master and slave (did have a slight leak but i got a new one) are fine... no leaks.

Edited by rvrftw, 05 December 2012 - 06:31 AM.

[Gianni]

Is the gearbox bolted on correctly?

[Davegsrjum]

Had a similar problem not so long ago! Clutch was dragging and shuddering from time to time! Anyway when I pulled it out I found 3 pieces of the center that retains one of the cushion spring broken off and jamming things up! Didn't expect to find that when I pulled it out!

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[Mr Gears]

Ok... so the plot thickens...
If I start the car in 1st, it changes gears fine, and clutch disengages properly. However if I start it in any other gear (or neutral) it feels like the clutch isn't fully disengaging (i.e. revs drop when in gear and the car crawls forward) and it won't go into 1st at all (feels like something is blocking it) or reverse (just grinds when I try reverse).

This has me really stumped.

Oh and the master and slave (did have a slight leak but i got a new one) are fine... no leaks.

Keep at it and you can replace all your syncros when you finally accept that you have a stuffed clutch and pull the gearbox out.

[Evo-00x]

Had a similar problem not so long ago! Clutch was dragging and shuddering from time to time! Anyway when I pulled it out I found 3 pieces of the center that retains one of the cushion spring broken off and jamming things up! Didn't expect to find that when I pulled it out!

Yeah thats a common thing to happen and will stop engagement of gears and pedal travel alright.
You never mentioned if you disengaged the shifter cables from the gearbox and tried to shift through all gears with the engine off?

[rvrftw]

I haven't tried disengaging the shifted cables, but I've tried shifting through the gears with the engine not running, and it shifts fine. I'm guessing that Mr gears is right and my clutch is stuffed.
Now what is the easiest way to remove the gearbox?

[Gianni]

Put jack under sump with a chunk of wood so you don't damage it.
Drain gear box and transfer case oil
Take off front pipe.
Take off transfer case.
Undo cross member then the bush bolts holding mount together
Undo bolt holding brake line to drivers side shock 12mm
Undo drive shaft nut 32mm
Undo two bolts holding shock to hub 17mm
move the hub down so that the shaft slips out. Use a pry bar to release shaft from box
Undo bolt holding gear box mount together
Remove chassis part of mount (so you have room to move later when re installing box, so I guess if your battery is still in bay move that and tray out as well as intake and cooler pipes and charcoal canister. More room the better)
Undo clutch line from master cyl 14mm
Then undo the bottom stone sheild between box and engine.
Indo two bolts holding starter motor on (14mm). You can leave cables attached coz battery is gone and that holds it back there nicely
Undo bolts holding box to motor. Should 2 bolts level under water tap (14mm) and one above passanger shaft (12mm) and another near clutch slave cyl (12 or 14). Could be a few more depending on motor.
Pull off box

[jack be nimble]

^ +1 for mr gears. Might as well chuck a 1-2 synchro ring in while you are there.
Well, check how much golden glitter there is in the oil, when you dump it.