stiff selecting reverse

Discuss, ask, or get help with engine and mechanical queries in here.

Moderator: Moderators

gumby6371
3.0 24v
Posts: 1638
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:01 pm
Location: Telford

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by gumby6371 »

Has anyone tried popping the selector arm ball joint off (not sure on terminology) and re-greasing it?
Looks easily accesable on my D8 and they should be persuaded off fairly easily, worked for stiff gear shifts on my old punto but not had an issue with the 406.
1996 1.9 TD LX (Gone but not forgotten)
2003 2.2 HDI SE
User avatar
Ares
3.0 24v
Posts: 673
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:36 am
Location: Istra,Croatia

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by Ares »

My shifter has that feeling like it comes in the middle,than its holding on something and than pops in after second try,like its out of balance.
It could be that need adjusting,never had it greased up,worth a try,i dont belive its in pedal tho
madmadmax
2.0 Turbo
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Jan 01, 2012 5:49 pm
Location: sheffield, south yourkshire

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by madmadmax »

http://s1182.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... sort=3&o=0

p/n 12 looks like it could be at fault as its the gate for revers but it could be that there is a small amount of misalignment in there sum where
jasper5
3.0 24v
Posts: 3689
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 1:30 pm

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by jasper5 »

There is a very simple test that can be done.....

If the reverse gear can be selected without trouble without the engine running then the problem is clutch related.
User avatar
RayneR
3.0 24v
Posts: 635
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:13 am
Location: Portugal

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by RayneR »

Jasper5 is a bit right, my reverse is sometimes hard to lock but i have found a trick to pass that, if i release the foot just a bit of the clutch pedal it locks the reverse with no problem...clutch problem ? my clutch was changed about a year ago and it started slipping recently :(
2000/May 406 Estate 2.0 HDI 110bhp DW10ATED now with 205k km & now with cruise control & now remaped @ 134bhp :lol:
madmadmax
2.0 Turbo
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Jan 01, 2012 5:49 pm
Location: sheffield, south yourkshire

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by madmadmax »

that jasper is a very fine suggestion right there a thing for all to try

would the clutch over/under stroking not cause other gears to be difficult to select?
User avatar
Ares
3.0 24v
Posts: 673
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:36 am
Location: Istra,Croatia

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by Ares »

I have changed my clutch few months ago,it better not be the case cuz im going to kill someone :cheesy:
Its a good try,but not in my case,the reverse was heavy before and after clutch replace,also,not only reverse but 2nd also is messy...other gears seems better but there is that feel,altought barely noticable,
that upon shifting,there is some resistance,like it needs to jump over something.
KozmoNaut
2.0 Turbo
Posts: 303
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2012 1:18 pm

Re: stiff selecting reverse

Post by KozmoNaut »

On most cars, reverse is a bit different from the other gears. It is not usually synchronized and the gears are usually straight cut instead of helical. Straight cut gears give off more noise when engaged, but this shouldn't affect shifting.

However, the lack of synchromesh means that the gear will be close to impossible to engage if the teeth on the dogs don't line up with the teeth on the gears. A trick that usually works is to move the stick to another gear and then to reverse, all while keeping the clutch pressed. If this doesn't work, keeping the clutch pressed and rocking the car slightly sometimes works, as does letting the car roll slowly down a hill by releasing the handbrake. Slightly raising the clutch pedal to create a tiny bit of drag works too, it aligns the teeth and allows the stick to slip into reverse.

Riding a motorcycle involves something similar, it is often completely impossible to go from neutral to 1st while at a standstill, because 1st is usually unsynchronized. But by feathering the clutch or rocking the bike a bit, it usually slips in.

In other words, I wouldn't really worry about it 1st or reverse being a bit stubborn to engage while at a standstill, until you really positively cannot engage them by any means or if you have trouble enganging gears while driving.
2000 406 TS4 2.2 saloon
Post Reply