Gearbox stiffens as car warms up.....any ideas(Ford Zetec CDT1 1.4i 2006)

DEBTMONKEY1A

Hi guys/gals,

Gear box is very slick ('Climate' variant.... Apparently top of Zetec range & a sports type of gearbox??) When cold.

Noticed on a 28 mile run that gearbox is noticeably stiffer, but certainly usable and not a huge/major issue.

On googling it seems to be 'clutch not engaging properly' or ' bushes at bottom of gear box dry'.

Just left with mechanic for some other work, briefly mentioned this (he's going to have a look & take for a drive) & got answer ' clutch probably on it's way out'. Spent a lot so far & budget won't stretch to a full clutch change.

Any ideas kind people?:beer:

heatherw_01

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DEBTMONKEY1A

THANKS! Getting myself in a right pickle trying to move to motoring section!

Norman_Castle

Presumably clutch not disengaging fully. It might be the clutch actuator rather than the clutch needing either cable adjustment or replacement or if hydraulic, bleeding, fluid change or seals or cylinders replacing. All cheaper than a new clutch.

DEBTMONKEY1A

Norman.....I guessed it might not be too serious....let's see what mechanic , who has been competitive and very good/trustworthy so far....has to say. Even if it IS the clutch I gather these things take a good few months to break completely so plenty of time to get a 2nd hand couch or reconditioned & get some prices.

Seriously thinking of enrolling just down road at college for weekly night school to learn basic mechanics and need a new hobby!

System

These gearboxes are "sealed for life" so you don't change the oil in them. As they still conveniently come with fill and drain plugs I've changed mine at 100,000 miles on both the current Mondeo and last Mondeo. In both cases the oil was clearly past its best and it felt a lot better after changing it. The proper stuff isn't exactly cheap but it won't break the bank to do it if your car is getting near or has passed the 100,000 mile mark. You shouldn't need to do it again in the lifetime of the car.

Norman_Castle

DEBTMONKEY1A wrote: »

Even if it IS the clutch I gather these things take a good few months to break completely so plenty of time to get a 2nd hand couch or reconditioned & get some prices.

Seriously thinking of enrolling just down road at college for weekly night school to learn basic mechanics and need a new hobby!

Not sure why you need a used settee. Most of the cost of clutch replacement is labour so pointless using second hand parts.


Doing basic car maintenance and servicing can save enough to cover jobs you cannot do.

System

I'd never ever consider using a second hand clutch. Sure whilst the pressure plate may look like it has plenty of meat left on it you have no idea of the condition of the springs in it or the fingers on the pressure plate. Fitting a second hand clutch is as daft an idea as fitting second hand brake calipers/pistons, brake pads or discs because for less than the price of packet of fags or two extra you can get new/reconditioned parts with guarantees.

DEBTMONKEY1A

Hi! Thanks for posts. Mechanic thinks nowt to worry about and probably clutch on way out. Will maybe get another opinion. Anyone else anything to add?

DEBTMONKEY1A

Lucas apparently do a fab transmission additive ..... One of the properties being a cure for ' hard shifting'..…any ideas/feedback on this? Also how easy is it to top up transmission oil with the lucus?

motorguy

DEBTMONKEY1A wrote: »

Hi! Thanks for posts. Mechanic thinks nowt to worry about and probably clutch on way out. Will maybe get another opinion. Anyone else anything to add?

You can easily check if its the clutch or gearbox - simply drive the car until it warms up and is doing it, stop, knock it in to neutral and then move through the gears yourself manually without using the clutch. If the stiffness is still there, then its a gearbox oil / possibly linkage issue, if its a smooth, easy movement then chances are its the clutch.