Grinding on reverse gear only....

[phil1979]

... noticed last night on the Alfa (GT diesel with the 6-speed box).

I was doing a load of errands... lots of stop/starting etc, and noticed a slight grinding when selecting reverse, but not every time... maybe 1 out of every 3 attempts.

The clutch action & travel feels normal, and all other gearchanges are fine.

Should I expect a horror bill, or was it linked to the warm-running of the engine/trans etc?

Cheers

[TheRoadWarrior]

Was the car totally stationary when you put it into reverse?

There wont be a synchro on reverse, so if you're moving it'll crunch going in.

[bob1179]

I've had a couple of cars do this.

I believe the trick is to make sure the engine is at idle when selecting reverse and do it gently, instead of putting it straight into gear.

[phil1979]

The car was stationary each time, and my action was the same as it's always been, hence it seemed odd to me.

[.:ian:.]

Seems an "alfa thing" my gtv does this too, occasionally.

[rallycross]

you might find if you select 2nd, and then select reverse and it wont crunch

[CraigyMc]

phil1979 said:

Should I expect a horror bill, or was it linked to the warm-running of the engine/trans etc?

Neither, or both.

Neither, because what you describe is totally normal for a gearbox with no synchro on reverse (ie most manual gearboxes). Both, because you're driving an alfa and that often leads to bills.. but not necessarily gearbox ones!



C

[phil1979]

Thanks - I'll give it a whirl.

[kambites]

Could be that the clutch is dragging very slightly?

[alfa pint]

rallycross said:

you might find if you select 2nd, and then select reverse and it wont crunch

TVRs do this too - can't get reverse without going into 5th first. Worth a shot.

Had a similar issue with my missus' volvo and it was only a rubber grommet on the gear selector that had worn. Tightened up the linkage and it's all fine.

[Jeffmaniac]

Used to have this problem in my polo. Check your power steering and brake fluid levels as quite often with hydraulic clutches they use the same fluid.

Edited by Jeffmaniac on Wednesday 13th October 09:59

[nelly1]

Jeffmaniac said:

Used to have this problem in my polo. Check your power steering fluid levels as quite often with hydraulic clutches they use the same fluid.

You mean brake fluid

[nelly1]

That was a fast edit!

[jimmy156]

Think its common on alfa's then, my 156 does this, and as mentioned, a selecting a forward gear and then reverse seems to do the trick