Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard to shift synchro

[RBanting]

Problem with shifting: Have a 97 12 valve with 5 spd, 160K mi. Returned with camper from Mexico to B. C. last week and experienced a problem with first and second, and especially reverse after going over a very high pass to Cedar City (9900ft). It shifted into the low gears but with great difficulty. Six State Trans in Salt Lk could not check it but suggested hydraulics; my mechanic friend suggested overheating in trans. Changed trany oil last summer. From SLC and now home for a month and problem is totally gone????Any suggestions from my learned colleagues. As always, i am so thankful that you are out there, and thanks to Eric in SLC for the advice.

 

[GCroyle]

Any loss of travel at the release bearing due to a hydraulic problem will reduce the plate lift and increase shifting difficulty. Hydraulic systems can be tested for air by blocking the slave cylinder travel with a steering wheel puller or any flat puller, push on the pedal with your hand, does it move a couple of inches? = air or wear in pedal assy. System should go hard in about 1/8" to 3/16" of master cylinder pushrod travel. Do not stomp on the pedal, just use normal force.



If yours is a normal wear out situation, lots of times the pilot bearing as it fails can cause the input shaft to continue to rotate and difficult gear selection especially in 1st, Rev.



Pilot bearing wear can be significantly reduced by shifting into N at stop lights, engage the clutch (pedal up) crank and input shaft are turning at the same speed, no wear.

 

[RBanting]

Any loss of travel at the release bearing due to a hydraulic problem will reduce the plate lift and increase shifting difficulty. Hydraulic systems can be tested for air by blocking the slave cylinder travel with a steering wheel puller or any flat puller, push on the pedal with your hand, does it move a couple of inches? = air or wear in pedal assy. System should go hard in about 1/8" to 3/16" of master cylinder pushrod travel. Do not stomp on the pedal, just use normal force.



If yours is a normal wear out situation, lots of times the pilot bearing as it fails can cause the input shaft to continue to rotate and difficult gear selection especially in 1st, Rev.



Pilot bearing wear can be significantly reduced by shifting into N at stop lights, engage the clutch (pedal up) crank and input shaft are turning at the same speed, no wear.

Hi Gary

Thks for the reply. The pedal shows about 1. 25" of free travel. Can you explain why it would shift fine now? By the way, have always babied the clutch by shifting into neutral at all stops. Bob