gear change

[jay964rs]

Hey all.
Just recently, I find it obstructive to change down through the gearbox when in 5th (2.5 2002 car).
When approaching a roundabout in top, I engage the clutch and the gearchange comes out of 5th, but won't engage 4th or 3rd easily, even if I double clutch.
When going up through the box, there's no problem.
By the way, it doesn't happen all the time.
Any ideas?
The car is going to Plans Motorsport next week, so any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks

[Gadgeroonie]

the clutch could be dragging - ie not fully disengaged

this could be due to a faulty slave cylinder (unlikely unless you are loosing fluid)
or a worn pressure plate

how many miles has the car done ?

[jay964rs]

22k, it only happens after prolonged drives ( an hour or more)

[slipstream 1985]

blip the throttle on the way down?

[Lakelord]

Have had the same issue with mine after a 'spirited drive' but once it's cooled down, the issue goes away. I put it down to the clutch fluid getting too hot so bled through some new fluid and the problem hasn't reappeared.
Failing that, other than the things suggested above, it may be the throw-out bearing when it gets too hot?

[daddysumo]

Lakelord said:

Have had the same issue with mine after a 'spirited drive' but once it's cooled down, the issue goes away. I put it down to the clutch fluid getting too hot so bled through some new fluid and the problem hasn't reappeared.
Failing that, other than the things suggested above, it may be the throw-out bearing when it gets too hot?

Yep change the clutch fluid for some of much better specification.

[The Snail]

Mine "crunches" on the down change, particularly going from 4th to 3rd.

[jay964rs]

Big thanks for all the advice, gonna get Plans to bleed the system and put a higher grade fluid in.
Jay

[daddysumo]

The Snail said:

Mine "crunches" on the down change, particularly going from 4th to 3rd.

Fully depress the pedal on the left before down changing