Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Can't shift into reverse with engine running on manual 5 speed

[saffell]

I have a 98. 5 with a 5spd manual transmission. Yesterday I drove from Kansas to Texas with no problems. However, after arriving in TX, I went to move the truck (about 30 minutes after stopping) and I could no longer get it in reverse (with the engine running). 1st gear was difficult, but still worked, all other gears worked fine. When I turned the engine off, I was able to shift into all gears including reverse (and then I was able to start the truck and use reverse - however, once I took it out of reverse, it would not go back without shutting the engine off). The clutch fluid level appears to be fine. There is some fluid on the bottom of the transmission and I have not check the transmission fluid level (yet).

Any thoughts or ideas on what the problem could be?



Thanks in advance!

 

[richardleonard]

Clutch pilot bearing

More than likely your clutch pilot bearing is in the process of self distruction or is already there... Expensive fix fror a low cost item since you have to drop the transmission and bell housing / clutch assembly to get to it. . My best guess - since it hasn't seized completely your still able to grind your way into 1st gear. . but reverse is a little higher gear, the syncro will not provide enough stopping power to overcome the friction of the nasty pilot bearing. .

 

[Dane]

I'd drain the fluid and look for stuff that shouldn't be there or a burnt smell.



How long since a fluid change? If it's over 30K, and you don't see anything in the drained fluid other than a light metal sheen, I'd replace it with fresh and give it a drive. If that don't work it's time for surgery...

 

[saffell]

Thanks for the updates so far. As information the transmission has 78K miles on it and I changed the fluid at 50K miles (so the current fluid only about 28K miles on it).

 

[richardleonard]

Chcek it out and let us know

I think that transmission fluid post referred to an auto transmission,, since you have a standard I don't believe that to be an issue but one can never tell. . From what I have read on Sam M. (shadetree mechanic) site,, that pilot bearing is a common occurance but don't take my word for it,, check it out and let us know. .

 

[DennyDay]

Clutch

I think you will find the problem to be the clutch disc. Disc may be slightly warped and binds up between the flywheel and pressure plate.



The way I found what was the problem was to put a temp spacer between the clutch slave cylinder rod and the clutch lever, made no difference pushing the lever in further, still hard to shift.



Ran it for another two weeks, the gave up and installed a new clutch.



Sorry for the bad news



Denny

 

[thaile]

mine began to do the same thing, but my clutch was slipping a little bit, but last weekend I twisted off the input shaft, but that is on a pretty hot truck. Don't know what if any your mods are hope it's not the input shaft getting ready to give up on you. Doesn't sound like the same problem I had. Just an idea though. In my case this problem makes the pilot bearing or throughout bearing look really cheap :{

 

[JTroiano]

I second the pilot bearing, then maybe the clutch disc. Before taking the trans out make sure the slave cylinder is moving far enough to disengage the clutch.

Jon T

 

[DSiemens]

Had the exact same symptoms. It will be your pilot bearing. Good time to do a clutch upgrade.

 

[CRegal]

Yuk...

I have the same problem but on a six speed. I replaced the clutch with a sbc in July or sumthing, & put in a new pilot bearing. I wasnt the one to do the pilot bearing, that was the other helper... ... I stillhave the stock pilot bearing, will that work or will I need to get one from SBC?



What can happen if I try to wait till spring?

 

[JTroiano]

If it is the pilot bearing you could damage the input shaft were it runs in the bearing.

Jon T