Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Big lumps of metals and spanners.

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Locked
User avatar
shrig1969
Registered user
Posts: 151
Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
80-90 Mem No: 11920
Location: cornwall

Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by shrig1969 »

Hello all,

I have noticed over the last couple of months that I struggle to get out of 4th gear when slowing down at junctions etc....I can feel metal against metal (grinding) when being forceful with it.
I would appreciate any advice or recommendations of someone local to take a look. Hopefully it can be repaired before it gets worse.
I live around Northampton.
This is my first cry for help on this forum, so I hope I have provided all the information required for feedback.
If not please point out where I have fell short for future help.

Many thanks
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

User avatar
MattBW
Registered user
Posts: 764
Joined: 11 Sep 2012, 10:43
80-90 Mem No: 11790

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by MattBW »

We had this with V's van, although hers failed completely and she wouldnt come out of 4th unless you stopped and stalled her.

I am sure someone will be along with more knowledge than me, the fact its only sometimes may mean its a different problem to ours? Always worth having a check that the linkages are lined up properly etc? In our case we had to replace the gearbox.
1985 1.9TD AAZ -Starlight Interior
2015 California Beach

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12425
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by itchyfeet »

Google Aidan talbot for a rebuild
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks

madjak
Registered user
Posts: 43
Joined: 13 Feb 2013, 11:40
80-90 Mem No: 0
Location: Swindon

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by madjak »

itchyfeet wrote:Google Aidan talbot for a rebuild

Yes, I spoke to Aidan abouth this on my van a week or so back and in my case it was a rebuild or new box. Apparently continuing to drive this will eventually lead to complete failure and a recovery to a garage. I bought a replacement box.
1988 16TD Hightop | 1970 Bay Window Dormobile Project | T4 2.5 TDI Panel Daily

User avatar
shrig1969
Registered user
Posts: 151
Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
80-90 Mem No: 11920
Location: cornwall

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by shrig1969 »

Thanks all, for the advice. Aidan sounds like the man to talk to, will consider getting in touch with him for further guidance.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

jocko
Registered user
Posts: 171
Joined: 17 May 2012, 10:15
80-90 Mem No: 11124
Location: South Birmingham

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by jocko »

I had the same problem, was told the 3rd and 4th synchro hub were on their way out. I did not have the money for a rebuild, so I sourced the same box from a reliable vender and had them swapped over. Miles better is an understatement. :D
Tin top C reg van to camper conversion. 1.9 golf tdi conversion.

madjak
Registered user
Posts: 43
Joined: 13 Feb 2013, 11:40
80-90 Mem No: 0
Location: Swindon

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by madjak »

shrig1969 wrote:Thanks all, for the advice. Aidan sounds like the man to talk to, will consider getting in touch with him for further guidance.

He is a busy man and was booking into August a few weeks ago, if you want him to do it I'd get in there or start a hunt for a suitable alternative box.
1988 16TD Hightop | 1970 Bay Window Dormobile Project | T4 2.5 TDI Panel Daily

User avatar
shrig1969
Registered user
Posts: 151
Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
80-90 Mem No: 11920
Location: cornwall

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by shrig1969 »

Just found out how far away Aidan is. :(

If anyone can recommend somebody in or around Northampton, I would be grateful. :ok
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

User avatar
Bigjcc55
Registered user
Posts: 641
Joined: 21 Aug 2011, 08:55
80-90 Mem No: 10140
Location: Ayrshire, scotland

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by Bigjcc55 »

http://www.cogboxtransmissions.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My brother used this guy, think he will be a bit closer to you. He sends a courier to collect you're gearbox.
1985 1.9 Devon moonraker
1992 2.1 SA big window syncro
1991 TDI syncro panel van

User avatar
shrig1969
Registered user
Posts: 151
Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
80-90 Mem No: 11920
Location: cornwall

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by shrig1969 »

Thanks again for all your replies.

My ideal scenario would be to deliver my van (with gearbox attached?) to a specialist nearby, who would remove, rebuild/replace and then return to me in working order, within a specified time. (A friend suggested that while the gearbox is out get the clutch replaced at the same time)

I will attempt somethings on our van, but this is way out of my league.

Keep the recommendations coming :ok
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12425
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by itchyfeet »

Get a mobile mechanic to remove the box then for £55 ish you can send it anywhere by pallet
If you get a garage to do this they will have to store the van while its rebuilt
You need special tools for these gearboxes so your local options will be limited
Other option is to get an exchange box which is quicker than a rebuild of yours but possibly more expensive
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks

jocko
Registered user
Posts: 171
Joined: 17 May 2012, 10:15
80-90 Mem No: 11124
Location: South Birmingham

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by jocko »

shrig1969 wrote:Thanks again for all your replies.

My ideal scenario would be to deliver my van (with gearbox attached?) to a specialist nearby, who would remove, rebuild/replace and then return to me in working order, within a specified time. (A friend suggested that while the gearbox is out get the clutch replaced at the same time)

I will attempt somethings on our van, but this is way out of my league.

Keep the recommendations coming :ok


Makes sense while the box is out to replace the clutch, that's what I had done.
Tin top C reg van to camper conversion. 1.9 golf tdi conversion.

User avatar
itchyfeet
Registered user
Posts: 12425
Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
80-90 Mem No: 12733
Location: South Hampshire

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by itchyfeet »

I agree change clutch all three parts, worth changing spigot bearing also i hear but not done it myself :oops:
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks

User avatar
MattBW
Registered user
Posts: 764
Joined: 11 Sep 2012, 10:43
80-90 Mem No: 11790

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by MattBW »

Wise words, we only didn't replace the clutch as it was already new ;-)
1985 1.9TD AAZ -Starlight Interior
2015 California Beach

User avatar
shrig1969
Registered user
Posts: 151
Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
80-90 Mem No: 11920
Location: cornwall

Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear

Post by shrig1969 »

While driving around the Devonshire coastline 2 weeks ago, the clutch/gearbox finally gave up on us.(it wasn't like she hadn't warned us!) Unfortunately the steep winding roads and hot sun proved too much :( :(
The RAC recommended a garage in Plymouth who would deal with the problem :!:
4 days later with a new clutch and a repaired gearbox (3/4 synchro hub :?: )we were back on our way (tentatively with an empty wallet :oops: :cry: )
Our next stop was the long drive to the Latitude festival where she proved to be invaluable.

The purpose of my post was to thank you all for your advice, and advise anyone else in my situation to deal with the problem sooner rather than later.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual

Locked