a few quick questions,

[Dan224]

Hi all,

I've done a search and think I've found the answers but just want to check before I spend MORE money, so much for a cheap run about! lol, so here goes.

1) problems engaging 1st gear. This problem is intermittent and only appears when starting after being left overnight or if, say, I've coasted to a traffic light and had to stop. All the other gears slot in without any problems although a bit notchy, and I have to hold reverse in until the car moves or it pops back out.

Rear engine mount ?

2) Clunking noise from rear. This problem only happens if I am a bit aggressive with the gear change, keep things smooth and theres no noise. thought it could be the rear drop links, but got an advisory on the MOT for them so they've been replaced.

Anti roll bar bushes ?

3) Rear end moving around. This might be a bit of paranoia after driving on ice for the past 2 weeks, but the back end seems to be 'loose'. It feels like its got rear wheel steering, lol. I only noticed this yesterday so haven't had chance to have a look, but reading up on here, sounds like the drop link bushes, but as they were changed I dont know.

Drop link problems ?

She is a 2001 exec 2L petrol. I have done the usual checks, oil change, tire pressures etc, so any further advice will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

[steve_earwig]

Hi there, umm, gear selection - all PSA boxes never like going in first, particularly on the move. If this is stationary perhaps you could try putting it in second, then in first. Reverse sounds like it's not quite going in gear so perhaps there's a problem with the mechanism - is it massively sloppy? I guess it's rods etc. so perhaps you could have a look at it and give it a spot of lubrication. Get the back in the air and have a squint. I'm not sure if they still say it but MOT certificates used to have the reassuring words "an MOT certificate is no guarantee of road.worthiness", so basically if the tester missed it then it's your problem. Check all the linkages, the roll bar bushes etc.

[Welly]

Hi all,

I've done a search and think I've found the answers but just want to check before I spend MORE money, so much for a cheap run about! lol, so here goes.

1) problems engaging 1st gear. This problem is intermittent and only appears when starting after being left overnight or if, say, I've coasted to a traffic light and had to stop. All the other gears slot in without any problems although a bit notchy, and I have to hold reverse in until the car moves or it pops back out.

Rear engine mount ? (also check the gearbox mount, selector cables - and their 'ends' is your clutch ok?)

2) Clunking noise from rear. This problem only happens if I am a bit aggressive with the gear change, keep things smooth and theres no noise. thought it could be the rear drop links, but got an advisory on the MOT for them so they've been replaced.

Anti roll bar bushes ? (maybe linked to engine mount wear, making the exhaust move too much during gear changes)

3) Rear end moving around. This might be a bit of paranoia after driving on ice for the past 2 weeks, but the back end seems to be 'loose'. It feels like its got rear wheel steering, lol. I only noticed this yesterday so haven't had chance to have a look, but reading up on here, sounds like the drop link bushes, but as they were changed I dont know.

Drop link problems ? mine used to feel like this - antiroll bar mount bushes, trailing arm bushes etc, also mine felt worse when the front tyres were worn making the rear end drift around.

She is a 2001 exec 2L petrol. I have done the usual checks, oil change, tire pressures etc, so any further advice will be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

A lot of what you describe would require the car being up on ramps and going around everything with a pry bar looking for play/wear.

Let us know how you get on, but don't worry too much I don't think it's anyhing serious really.