1st gear playing up in the GU

Submitted: Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 15:32

ThreadID: 8528 Views:2057 Replies:7 FollowUps:4

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Member - Melissa

A few times over the last 6 weeks or so I've had trouble getting the GU into 1st gear (manual gear box of course). Then in the last week this seems to be happening more frequently, like 2 or 3 times a day. Hubby noticed it too when he drove it the other day for the first time in weeks. 2nd gear seems a little clunky too but not having any problems with any others. Also, I can't be sure but I think the clutch felt a little "light" this morning. Oil and fluid levels are OK and up to date service wise. Oh, and because I know you'll ask for more info its a 1998 model Series I. Before we go traipsing off the the mechanics, I was just wondering if anyone has any idea's as to what the prob could be?

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

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Reply By: Martyn (WA) - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 16:17

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 16:17

Melissa,
I'm not sure about the light clutch pedal thing but the symptoms you mention for getting into first sound like clutch drag which can be caused by the dust from the friction linings getting onto the drive plate splines and cause the drive plate to drag on one of the driven clutch faces being the flywheel or the drive plate, commonly the flywheel. Nothing much you can do about it really apart from take the gearbox or engine out and clean the splines. There is another reason but it's more unlikely is that you have formed a step in the splines on the mainshaft which is causing the drive plate to "hang up" again causing the effect of the rive plate remaining "slightly" driven by the engine. Just an idea, others may know of a fault with the gearbox but to my knowledge there isn't a common fault with engaging first gear. This problem of clutch drag can be caused by the installer putting lubricant on the splines which in turn attracts the dust as accelerates the problem, personally I always assemble dry, never had much problem.
Hope this helps, my opinions / views etc etc Keep the shiny side up

AnswerID: 37311

Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:47

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:47

Thanks for the info.Petrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

FollowupID: 27048

Reply By: Mickl - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:10

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:10

If the clutch pedal feels a little lighter than usual the air may have entered the hydraulic system. Check it for leaks and bleed the system to check for air bubbles. If you can select reverse without any problems then that is a good sign the clutch is ok. Difficult 1st & 2nd gear gear selection is fairly common in 4wds with a few k's on the clock, It may be time for a transmission oil change, I've found 75w synthetic or semi synthetic oil to do wonders for for difficult gearchange problems.

AnswerID: 37328

Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:53

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 18:53

Thanks Mickl,

Vehicle has 85K on the clock so it surprises me that gear selection probs would occur at this point without a reason. No trouble at all finding reverse. Good point about the tranny oil...now you mention it I recall we ended up putting some u-beaut stuff in our Paj which worked a treat. Re the clutch, I can't decide whether it is actually lighter than usual or whether I'm just "looking" for other symptoms.

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
http://members.westnet.com.au/flatdog

FollowupID: 27050

Follow Up By: Mickl - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 21:13

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 21:13

Melissa,

As you can select reverse with no problem it is likely the clutch is ok, and I would think that the hydraulics are fine to. However for peace of mind a quick visual check of the hydraulic system and action of the slave cylinder/release fork will show any obvious faults and is quick and easy to do. Next step would be to change the gearbox oil, about $40 will get you a bottle of 75w grade synthetic blend, changing the oil is the first thing your mechanic will try anyway so you might as well do it yourself and save some time and money.
After 85k if the oil has never been changed it may be starting to lose its properties. (BTW as a point of interest: There are two schools of thought on gear oils, some say never change trans/diff/transfer case oils unless theres been a repair/contamination/overhaul, and even Gregorys type workshop manuals state this to be the case. Others say do regular changes. Look in a factory workshop manual for instance and the service schedule will say a change is due every 40K or so. My personal opinion is to do regular changes)
Hopefully this solves your problem as the next most likely causes lie within the gearbox (selector mechanism or synchros). :(

FollowupID: 27060

Reply By: Stewbag - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 19:53

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 19:53

Just have a quick look at your master and slave cylinders,look for a weep.If the seals leaks even slightly the clutch will feel light and wont disengage fully.Maybe a simple fix.maybe

AnswerID: 37340

Reply By: Ed - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 21:36

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 21:36

Melissa, How long since the clutch/brake fluids have been changed?
I'm sure there are many who don't do it, but ideally these SHOULD be changed every 12 months - 2 yrs. max. Reason being that brake fluid is hygroscopic..
(i.e. absorbs moisture from the atmosphere)..
The "light pedal" symptom you describe is consistent with a fault in the hydraulic system (which in turn means that the clutch does not fully dis-engage, as you have noted).. Could be air in the system, could be a leak, or it could be that moisture in the system has caused corrosion / damage to seals which may not be readily apparent from casual observation..
Have you tried "pumping" the pedal a couple of times?
If not, try it, & if that makes it easier to get into gear, then I'd be willing to wager that the fault is in the hydraulics.. Easy fix!!
Let us know how you get on..
Regards, Ed. C.

AnswerID: 37349

Reply By: Member - Tim&jan - Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 22:42

Friday, Nov 14, 2003 at 22:42

mine was a bit sticky when i first bought it i changed the clutch and brake flued and the gearbox oil which was black and ran like water put 75 grade oil and its a lot smoother worth a try?gu bush basha

AnswerID: 37361

Reply By: Andrew - Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 at 00:31

Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 at 00:31

This could be the scenario. Tummy expanding, touches the steering wheel. Push the seat back a couple of notches, can't reach to depress the clutch fully, hard to get into gear. There you go - saved you $$$. No need to thank me for my contribution!!!
Andrew

AnswerID: 37378

Follow Up By: Member - Paul - Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 at 23:40

Saturday, Nov 15, 2003 at 23:40

Rather a rude (HEHEHE) reply . Any truth to the new rumour ? Would of course make a fine story for a disreputable rag considering dad also had same trouble ( presumably not BUN IN OVEN).
HAHAHA
Cheers and cold beers
Clarky

FollowupID: 27115

Reply By: David N. - Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 11:50

Sunday, Nov 16, 2003 at 11:50

Melissa
Reverse on these has Synchro so that's not such a good indication of clutch adjustment (in a G'box with no synchro, the gears will clash engaging reverse if clutch is not letting go fully)
If you are not sure and don't have a mechanic you can TRUST, try your local equivalent of RACQ- they usually have very good technical advice people who charge very little or zero for good advice after inspecting the vehicle.

AnswerID: 37465