940 SE Gearbox/Clutch Problem
 

Any ideas? I have a problem with my car which has been happening on and off for the last 3 or 4 weeks.
The first sign of trouble was starting again after a 6 mile drive. The gear lever would move through neutral but would not go into gear. I managed to get it into second and get to work about a mile further on. After manipulating the gear lever I managed to get it moving and it was fine for a few days after that. It has since done this 4 or 5 time and I have been able to free it off each time.
The lever moves freely while driving but I have noted a slight low pitched hum recently.
I have to depress the clutch a couple of times to get reverse now other wise it grates.
A couple of days ago on starting after parking for a couple of hours it made a loud screeching noise for about half a minute then stopped. It made a small noise half a mile further on and nothing since.
Is this symptomatic of something?

RE: 940 SE Gearbox/Clutch Problem
 

Hi,

I think this sounds like the syncros are going on your box? How far has the gearbox gone (is it original).

Sorry, and good luck,

Stu

RE: 940 SE Gearbox/Clutch Problem
 

Georges,
This sounds as if the problem is clutch drag, it`s not a synchro problem. The difficulty you are having pushing it into the forward gears is the synchros doing their job and baulking to prevent grating. Reverse grates because it dosen`t have synchromesh!
Most likely the problem is in the hydraulics, either air in the system or master cylinder faulty.
Another possibility is that the squealing you heard could be the clutch spigot bearing seized and causing drag but this would not be improved by pumping the clutch.
The most likely cause of sqealing after start up is a worn/slack alternator and or power steering belt.
Hope this helps, Colin.

RE: 940 SE Gearbox/Clutch Problem
 

Agree with Colin but there is a good chance your clutch is gone. My reasoning is that as the friction plate gets thin the pressure plate takes up the slack. Finally the movement required to release the plate is greater than the hydraulics can supply. One quick check is to look at the clutch actuating bar, the one sicking out of the bellhousing.With a worn clutch it will be pushed closer towards the engine. Cheers Nigel