Help!! Can't select gears.

[wipper]

Just taken the car out for a spin whilst it's dry (1995 S4) and as I got near home, having trouble selecting any gears. By the time I'd got home, I could only select reverse gear whilst the engine was running, but when I turn off the ignition, I can freely select any no problem. I've also notice a sort of whistling noise while it's idling.
Any suggestions, as I'm no mechanic!!??
(I'm also getting a lot of vibration through the clutch pedal)

>>> Edited by wipper on Wednesday 11th February 20:42

[Dr.Hess]

My guess is the clutch, although getting into reverse with the motor running does not fit. Usually it won't go into reverse (no syncromesh) but will go reluctantly into the other gears when the clutch is not releasing 100%. Seems like yours is the opposite. The next guess is the transmission itself. Either way, the tranny has to come out.

Dr.Hess

[wipper]

I assume this is going to be an expensive garage session?!?

[adrianmugridge]

I've had problems selecting gears; I my case it was either

a) Clutch wear - so new clutch
b) problem with gear linkage. Garage adjusted it and it's fine now

Adrian
97GT3

[cnh1990]

Almost sounds like the release bearing if the noise is comming from there and if you are getting pedal vibration. Is the vibration when the pedal is pressed down or before you actually press down on the pedal?
Calvin

[wipper]

The vibration is there before you press the pedal.

[cnh1990]

Thats not good.
Calvin

[janszott]

I had the same problem last year. Turned out to be a loose bolt on the linkage right where it goes into the tranny. Cheapest repair I've ever done.

Jan
91SE

[karlfranz]

The whistling noise is a telltale sign that your throwout (release) bearing is giving up the ghost. I had this happen at the track during some parade laps. The bearing finally seized and disintegrated forcing me to limp back to the pits with no gear selection.

Do not drive the car if the bearing is about to go. The sound you are hearing is the noise of the bearing grinding against the fingers of the pressure plate. If the fingers wear down, you will have to replace the pressure plate in addition to the bearing. Also, when the bearing seizes it can also damage the clutch disc and break the release fork.

Sorry,

KFM
www.espritfactfile.com

[lotusguy]

karlfranz said:

The whistling noise is a telltale sign that your throwout (release) bearing is giving up the ghost. I had this happen at the track during some parade laps. The bearing finally seized and disintegrated forcing me to limp back to the pits with no gear selection. Do not drive the car if the bearing is about to go. The sound you are hearing is the noise of the bearing grinding against the fingers of the pressure plate. If the fingers wear down, you will have to replace the pressure plate in addition to the bearing. Also, when the bearing seizes it can also damage the clutch disc and break the release fork. Sorry, KFM www.espritfactfile.com

KFM,

Good Call!... You beat me to the punch, I agree with you totally and wish to add that since you are essentially doing/paying to do the clutch in replacing the T/O bearing anyway what with tranny removal etc., it's a good time to consider doing the clutch, plate and pilot/spigot bearing at the same time. I would also reface the flywheel and balance them all as a unit. There is also no time like this to check/replace the rear main seal as needed.

May seem like overkill, but you get to ammortize the work/expense in getting much more accomplished for your money/time and you set a baseline for the drivetrain components, something especially useful if the car is second-hand. It would be a shame to have to open up the whole mess again only a couple thousand miles down the road to replace a clutch, plate or spigot which failed IMHO. Happy Motoring!... Jim'85TE

[wipper]

Cheers guys. I think this weekend will be a big learning curve for me, having only had the car a few months. My last Lotus (a 1998 Elise) was just too boring - nothing ever went wrong!!
The Esprit is definitely well worth all the time and effort when it's running right! Just looking forward to the Lotus events coming up, as I never really bothered with them much in the Elise. Anyone know which are the best UK events?
Club Lotus at Donnington next month - Worth a visit?