Nightmare happens again

[dixiebabes]

Talking to wedgie before i explained that i couldnt get reverse after driving back from the BBWF, All i could get was a cringingly loud crunching noise from the box. Thinking oh S**T body off engine out thrust bearing needs replacing etc etc etc, Well wedg1e explained its a common fault with them all you need to do is put it into 2nd gear and the problem dissapers. It did thanks Ian but it done it again today tried 2nd gear and it slipped into reverse no probs. It is starting to worry me now though please tell me you boys this nothing to worry about and im just being pedantic or am i looking at the thick end of a grand in the very near future??????

regards Dixiebabes

[blaineuk]

try changing the clutch fluid.

[dixiebabes]

Never thought of that cheers blaine

Regards dixiebabes

[GreenV8S]

That's normal. There's no synchromesh on reverse, so if the input shaft is spinning it'll crunch when you try to find reverse. When you put it into any forward gear the synchros stop the input shaft so it goes in quietly, once the input is stopped it'll go into reverse too.

If the trick of putting it into a forward gear stops working, that indicates that the clutch isn't releasing fully which would suggest a hydraulic problem.

[pwd95]

I've had 3 wedges in the last two years and they all crunch in to reverse if you don't do one of the forward gears first. Make sure your clutch fluid is topped up it's a common problem for them to leak a bit. If its very low it'll make the problem worst as the clutch isn't disengaging fully as GV8S says. I think that's right.

[dixiebabes]

Cheers lad thats reassuring to know ive just checked the resevoir and its to the brim and looks newish just needed a few (yes that happens all the time) a big phew there

regards dixiebabes

[redwedge5]

Yes, same here. Always 1st or 2nd gear before engaging reverse. Prevents the embarrassment factor of everyone turning to look at you and thinking 'oh look he's got a big sports car and he can't even drive it properly'

[mikeb]

Another issue I have found is the clutch fluid completely dissapering! no leaks under the car or inside it down the foot pedal.

Fill it back up and bleed it and it's fine for months and months, then mysteriously it happens again - weird.

MikeyB

[leorest]

mikeb said:

Another issue I have found is the clutch fluid completely dissapering! no leaks under the car or inside it down the foot pedal.

Fill it back up and bleed it and it's fine for months and months, then mysteriously it happens again - weird.

MikeyB

Could be at the slave end?

[honourablepickle]

the vanishing clutch fluid enigma
i've had this as well on a couple of different cars
any one know where it goes ?

[rev-erend]

honourablepickle said:

the vanishing clutch fluid enigma
i've had this as well on a couple of different cars
any one know where it goes ?

Yep - the garage floor

[wedg1e]

My clutch fluid soaked into the tunnel carpet and from there into the leather duct cover for the heater outlet... it also went down the firewall behind the soundproofing, so the floor carpet stayed dry.