2.0 110 HDI can't select 2nd gear

[Springnuts]

Hi all,

just had clutch changed and now can't select 2nd gear ... 4th is sometimes difficult too. I think the technical term is that it baulks - just can't get it to drop in. Changed the gearstick box and cables about 50k ago and was working fine until the clutch change. When I first changed into second after the clutch change it made a clashing cogs noise, but then went into gear and was OK for the short drive home. Drove it today for the first time since and could not get second at all. It will go back to the garage on Friday when I am back in Plymouth, but any suggestions from the community about causes? The clutch is the "pull" type by the way. 1st, 3rd, 5th, and also reverse, are absolutely fine.

Car has 210k miles.

Regards

Springnuts.

[steve_earwig]

And my first thought is: they didn't top the gearbox oil up after.

[Springnuts]

Thanks Steve, yes that is possible, though they are usually quite good ... but well possible. I will tactfully suggest it!

Regards

Simon

[jasper5]

Is your biting point very low, eg, near the floor? If so this would expose a weakness in the 2nd and 4th synchro hubs (the ones with bad selection).
Everything would have been fine before because the biting point was high giving an easy gearchange.Maybe you should wait a little while before you get concerned, the gear selection should improve as the clutch beds in and the biting point rises.
Wouldn't do any harm to have a word with the garage, but these pull type clutches are a pain.

[Springnuts]

Thanks Jasper5, interesting idea and very welcome if it is just a case of bedding in. Yes, the biting point is I think lower than before. I will have done only about 250 miles - and most of that Mway cruising - by Friday.

Thanks again.

Regards

Springnuts

[Springnuts]

Oops I see I didn't post an update. Things did indeed improve and gear selection is now pretty much problem free. 3,000 miles done on the new clutch. I have to say the new clutch is notably juddery compared to the old one.

Regards to all

Springnuts.