Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) NV4500 Shifting Problem

[RBlackford]

Lately, at odd times, I cannot shift out of neutral - no noise, no vibrations . . . . Any clues as to what is going on?



Thanks!



Robert

'97 2WD Posi-Rear End NV4500 (installed 5th gear update) Banks Stinger Plus

 

[GAmes]

How many mles have your driven since the last oil change. Regardless of what Dodge claims the oil needs to be replaced every now and then. I do it every 50k.

 

[ewcmr2]

I thought Gary was going to say "get a G56!"



My NV4500 never got stuck in neutral. It would occasionally get stuck in 5th, new top cover fixed that.

 

[GAmes]

LOL, I never even thought of that. I just remembered way back when the truck was new it got hard to shift when it had about 80k on it. I changed the oil and it shifted like butter. I started changing it every 50k after that, assuming the transmission made it to 50k:-laf

 

[hsmith]

Aw, come on Gary. I've never had any problems getting 50k from my 4500. Now the GV is a different story.

 

[McCRam]

My guess is your clutch isn't releasing. Make sure your getting all the travel out of your clutch cylinder.

 

[RBlackford]

How many mles have your driven since the last oil change. Regardless of what Dodge claims the oil needs to be replaced every now and then. I do it every 50k.

It has been less than 50K since I changed the oil. I installed the trans coolers from Geno's and the transmission now holds 6 quarts.

 

[RBlackford]

My guess is your clutch isn't releasing. Make sure your getting all the travel out of your clutch cylinder.

Thanks,

I will check the clutch cylinder travel. Also, when it gets stuck in neutral, by shutting off the engine, it will then shift perfectly. Does this point to a synchro problem?

 

[snappy]

If it goes into the gears with the engine not running, that is a strong sign of a pilot bearing problem.

 

[RBlackford]

Thanks Snappy,

Looks like I will have to pull the transmission in any event: a pilot bearing is much cheaper than a complete rebuild.

Robert

 

[RBeard]

Yep, Pilot bearing gone. Don't wait too long Input shaft gets eat up and needs R&R=$$$:{

 

[RBlackford]

NV4500 Final Outcome

It was the pilot bearing that trashed. I pulled the transmission and all that was left of the pilot bearing was the metal shell . . . . . . While I was in there, I replaced the clutch with a NAPA heavy-duty unit (ceramic clutch material).



Since I haul a 3-ton RV, this clutch makes sense. So far the clutch is working fine. The clutch is less forgiving than the stock clutch - doesn't "slip" as smooth. But I've learned how to take off from a dead stand still with out much trouble. Otherwise, it shifts just fine while driving.



Thanks for all the suggestions!



R Blackford