Gear problem

[Kyle]

hi all

yesterday I was driving and all of a sudden the 4th gear was not working anymore. A couple of minutes later I managed to drive on 4th gear but then it did not work anymore. Now I am only left with 1,2,3,5,R.

before this problem had occurred, the car was running fine and I never had problems with the gearbox or clutch.

do you think it is going to cost me a lot to fix? or could it be something small?

thanks for the help

 

[rich]

5th gear is more ecomonical anyway

Unless you know much about gearbox internals, you can only really check the gearstick assembly, connecting rods, and gear linkages to see if theres anything obvious.

Other than that i guess its a gearbox off jobbie

(which probably doesnt help much )

Rich

 

[C]

With engine off (dont touch the clutch pedal) can you select all gears? best when gearbox is hot ie after a drive. Might take a few goes running through the box 1-5 5-1 to align everything so it goes in easily.

If yes, any funny feelings as you engage?
Possible causes are internal damage to synchro, clutch/ clutch release bearing or selector cables/ bracket need adjusting.

check cables/ linkage first for anything obvious. You can try selecting at the gearbox by hand - on the back of the box by the bulkhead, you should see the cables move if you peer down and get someone to wiggle the lever. rotate the counterweighted lever to select, pull/ push to move across the gate.
check able bracket (this could bend or crack due to high forces or damage but unlikely)
check cables at the in car lever end (lift up or remove the gearstick gaiter).
Finally, drain box oil and check oil with a magnet for any lumps of metal.
If nothing obvious then likely to need a box replacement. Ring around.
good luck

 

[Kyle]

thanks for the replies.

with the engine off I still cannot select the 4th gear. the others are fine.

whatever the problem is, I have to take it to a garage as I don't know how to fix it myself.