Stiff Gearstick

[robinsm]

I've got a 4.0L Chimaera (done just over 13,000 miles) and I've noticed recently that when the car warms up the Gear Change gets more difficult. Generally means that the first attempt to change 'sticks' and it requires another good tug to get it out of one gear and into the next. Any ideas? anyone had a similar problem?

[mk1]

Rover or borg Warner box?

[apache]

Ive got the same prob (BW) box in a 95 griff, when warm it is a sod changing down to 3rd,once in gear it wants to stay there

[Marshy]

Just out of interest, have you guys adjusted your clutch pedal height? I fiddled with mine so that my knee didn't foul the wheel when going for the clutch, and then discovered that the threaded bolt stuck so far out of the back of the pedal that the clutch wouldn't fully disengage... Arse. Time to get the hacksaw out...

[Trefor]

Sounds clutch related. I've not heard of anyone having a problem sticking in gear. I adjusted all my pedals 'further away' as I'm a lanky git. Now the girlfriend can't reach them - oh dear, I'll have to drive then. (Mind you she says driving the TVR is like driving a truck). T/.

[Marshy]

Having recently been on a corporate jolly driving all sorts of trucks, I can safely say that driving a truck is easier... at least kinda. Less physical effort involved, much more in the way of sheer oh-my-god-I've-hit-something style terror. Fire engines are fun though, especially when empty. Edited by Marshy on Wednesday 18th April 21:49

[robinsm]

I certainly hope it's not clutch related, I've only had the car for 4 months - don't want to be shelling out for a new clutch already (especially as the car is a 99T with 13K miles). I have to admit that I didn't look around much when buying - just drove this one - which I loved and immediately bought. I always assumed that they all had a very heavy clutch, is this true?? Guess I'd better go visit the dealer (again).

[GasBlaster]

I had this problem recently. But grasping it firmly and working it up and down relieved the stiffness after only a few minutes.

[apache]

NOW STOP THAT!!

[THB]

For what its worth, I've noticed a slight stiffness changing down from fourth, but I don't think it 'feels' clutch related.

[Marshy]

Robin, Yep the clutches are all heavy. Do check the pedal though: as I said adjusting the pedal height (or someone else having adjusted it) can affect how far the pedal can depress. The adjustment isn't very flash... you undo a nut behind the main shaft of the pedal, then spin the rubbery thing in or out on a long thread. A length of thread then sticks out behind the pedal shaft. The more that sticks out, the less the pedal can be depressed. Mr Heath and Mr Robinson spring to mind (especially when you adjust the clutch and brake and then discover that the throttle can't be adjusted. Nah, didn't want to heel and toe anyway...)

[apache]

apparently its down to the oil, you can have it tight when cold but ok warm or tother way around, I'm trying to find some more info, perhaps Ayrton Humphries has some ideas on this....only kidding Peter

[mk1]

I always use Valvoline ATF in the box (T5 Borg Warner). No problems at all. Edited by mk1 on Tuesday 24th April 09:39

[RickyM]

Ive had problems with the gearstick sticking since I had my 96N chimp. Ive had the clutch replace, the pedals altered and the dealer assures me that the correct oil is being used. It only happens when the engine is warm, say, driving for over 15 mins. Im mystified, any other ideas?

[ali d]

quote: Mr Heath and Mr Robinson spring to mind (especially when you adjust the clutch and brake and then discover that the throttle can't be adjusted. Nah, didn't want to heel and toe anyway...)

Marshy, the throttle is adjustable but not in the same way. Get your head down in the footwell and you will see the throttle peddle assembly is bolted to the bulkhead in two places. Undo these bolts and the assemble is slotted to allow for and aft movement.

[Marshy]

Ali, you're a star, thanks.

[apache]

just had a service done and asked the chaps to bung in some ATF gearbox oil, what a difference ! so smooth now I can do quick gear changes where before I'd need 2 hands

[fish]

I have a 4l Chimp 14,000 miles mine has similar tendency when hot especialy in third. Although the oil may make some difference I have been reasonably reliably told it is likely to be a lack of lubrication on the gear linkage as there is apparently a small linkage to the box, it is not completely direct and this can dry up and get stiff. Hope this helps