[Mk2] [NA] Hard to select gears

[**toyota-mr2**]

Hi all.

I just bought a rev 1 non turbo and I find after a couple of miles it starts getting hard to select gears.

Sometimes I almost come to a halt before I get a gear! Its also difficult at lights and I find if I rev the car just before I select the gear it works better.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[fearless]

sounds like your clutch needs adjusting this can be done by a nut under pedal ive heard, check the plastic bushes that go on the ends of cables at gearbox end these get worn aswell replace with the bearing type which cost £10 from s bits very good cheap mod

[going4the1]

The clutch adjustment will only alter pedal height. this is not the problem here.

Can you select the all gears when the car is stationary and the engine is off?
Does the gear lever have a precise feel once the gear has been selected?

Where is the usual 'biting' point? Has there been any change in this? As the car warms up does it seem to be closer to the floor?

The main problem you have will be due to the hydraulics.
Either due to old/tired fluid OR worn/failing seals. Is there an obvious leak? Is the level in the reserviour falling/normal?

Bleeding the clutch system may solve the problem. Replacing the old liquid with new may cure it. The heat of the engine degrades the fluid in the pipes next to the slave cylinder.

If this doesn't solve the problem a new slave or master cylinder may be required. A failing slave may show leaks around the rubber boot next to the transmission casing in the engine bay.

The master may show a leak around the push-rod link on the pedal.

[**toyota-mr2**]

Gears can be selected fine when its no running.

I find if I stop in a gear at lights I also sometimes have problems getting it out of the gear and when I do it gives a junt.

I also find the car tries to move even with the clutch in! not sure if thats all the time tho.

The bite point does seem low but I dont think the clutch needs done, not slipping or anything and its fine when cold.

Hope this helps.

[**toyota-mr2**]

Bite point may go abit lower when warm, hard to say. Car is in for a mot atm.

[going4the1]

If the clutch point is low and/or it feels like it has drive even with the clutch fully depressed then you certainly have a problem with the hydraullics.

Basically the clutch is never fully disengaged. It needs fixing right away. If a simple bleed wont fix it (unlikely - but worth a go) then you will need to spend some money

Parts are widely available. Best is:

http://tcbparts.co.uk/

Advice on the phone is excellent. Buying new seals is best avoided - complete units are prefered.

The work is relatively straight forward. Basically bolt-on/off. The main difficulty afterwards is bleeding the system once air has been introduced. Do a search on this and other forums.

Also see:

http://www.mr2-tech.com/bgb/mechanical/ ... clutch.htm

for background.

[ej2_sir]

Sounds like your clutch isnt dissengaging properly if your getting creep and not going into gears properly. The way to test this is start the car leave your foot off the clutch and go to put the car in reverse until it starts to whine (eg gear tries to engage) depress the clutch and it should go away. If not, take 2 14mm spanners and adjust the pushrod towards the bulkhead on the back of the pedal by turning the nuts. Repeat revearse gear test until noise goes away. I just had to do this to set up a paddle clutch on mine. Exactly same symptoms

[ej2_sir]

This is free to do. If this doesnt work, Id follow what Going4the1 says.

[fastgrant74]

I have a similar issue, but doesnt matter if car is running or not- very notchy getting into gear.

Bearings replaced, clutch fine, gear fluid changed, short shifter kit fitted (and removed again to check- makes no difference).

Is it possible to cause a problem when fitting the bearings on the end of the gear cables? Wondered if they could get out of line or something?

I reckon that may be the last thing to check before its something in the box.

[Tubby Tommy]

You can get minor adjustment at the front pedal! I did an engine rebuild with a friend and for a year or so, the gearbox selecting never felt as precise! 2nd to 3rd mainly a real problem at revs, after all this time adjusted up front and this sorted the problem out!

I have also replaced trhe gearbox selector bushings too! again, helped a little, you generally find and further problems (if not your clutch) are worn gearbox parts.

Open gearbox can be from £200/300 upwards to fix sometimes £1000!!