Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Won't go into gear

[Neibe]

Just got my truck back from the body shop. I was in a front end collision and now it won't go into gear. I noticed when I first picked it up it was shifting hard then it got better now it won't go in gear. Could it be a coincidence that this just happened or could it be from the accident. Before the accident it shifted fine it didn't slip or anything. One other thing I noticed it happened 3 times when I was sitted at a stoplight I felt a bump like someone rolled into me the first time I thought I must have been imagining it cause the guy behind me didn't get out of his truck to check for damage. But it happen on 2 different times after that. I do have 140,000 miles on the original clutch. Any ideas?

 

[CumminsPower98]

When sitting at the light did you have it in gear with the clutch depressed? If so I would say the pilot bearing might be going out. The bump you felt might have been the bearing grabbing the nose of the input shaft and trying to move you forward. A bad bearing will also make it difficult to impossible to get into gear while the engine is running. Does is slide right into gear if the engine is off? You should also check to make sure the hydraulic system is working properly. Does the peddle feel normal like it did before the accident? If it's a bad pilot bearing I would say it's coincidence but if it's a hydraulic problem maybe something got damaged in the accident. I really don't know but these are just some ideas to think about.



Mark

 

[DSiemens]

It is possible that your hard shifting is related to the accident. Did the frame get bent and have to be straightened?

 

[chrleb1]

I would probably go with the pilot bearing. That will keep it from going into gear. If you are able to shift fine while driving but can't get to go into any gear from a stop, then it is that bearing. This happened to me also.

 

[BPonci]

It could be your hydrolic clutch slave or master is bleeding off. Look under the dash to see if there is fluid at the rod. Remove the slave and pull the boot back and see if there is fluid. Just some quick checks.

 

[Neibe]

The peddle feels like there's nothing there when I push in the peddle. With the engine off it goes in any gear. The frame didn't get bent or so I'm told however the front of the frame where the bumper attachs had to get bent back it did go to a very good frame shop in the area. Thank you for the replies.

 

[lil red cummins]

sounds like master or slave cylinder. the master is easier to replace. as the others have said, look for a leak somewhere in the system. check the fluid level too.



jim

 

[Neibe]

The fluid in the slave was low I filled it up but I looked all around and I don't see it leaking. I guess obivously it is leaking. If that's it that would be cheaper than a new clutch. Is there a way to bleed the system or is it better to replace the whole unit.

 

[lil red cummins]

the system needs to be bled whether it is old or new. in other words, bleeding will be necessary even if you install new parts. unfortunately i am not sure where the bleeder fitting is on your truck. they are normally down on the slave cylinder. if you can find the fitting (looks just like the one on brakes), then you can try loosening it and allow a little fluid to run out to make sure there is no air. it is best to use a clear plastic tube on the fitting to direct the removed fluid to a jar or some container. if you look at the tube while the fluid is running out, you should be able to see bubbles if there are any in there.



make sure not to let the fluid run out in the master cylinder!

in reality, you shouldnt need to run through more than 1 oz of fluid through.



i hope this helps.



jim

 

[CumminsPower98]

There are no bleeders on these systems that I know of. The system comes as a unit from the factory fully bled and ready to install. I know you can buy aftermarket cylinders from places like Napa but I don't understand how you bleed them. I changed mine out once when I thought it might be a problem (wasn't bad after all) and it came with both cylinders, lines, and fluid canister.

 

[lil red cummins]

whoa, my bad then i guess.



now i think i will take a look at mine to see how they build it.



jim

 

[Neibe]

Got my truck into the transmission shop today they said it seams like the pressure plate isn't releasing from the flywheel some of the time. Is the rear main seal accessable when the transmission is remove I'm trying to think of things I can have them fix as preventive maintaince since the transmission will be remaved.