MG’S GRINDING MY GEARS
QI’ve owned my 87,000 mile 2003 MG ZT 2.0 CDTI since 2009. The gear-change has never been smooth or slick and is much worse in winter. The biggest problem is selecting reverse, although other gears can also be problematic.
It is worst after a run. I actually broke the gear stick off a few years ago! During this winter it has become unbearable again. Recently the car has also started jumping out of gear under hard acceleration and this week I had to push it into the garage in neutral when selecting reverse proved impossible after a journey in the rain. The following (dry) day it was better when
I started it up in the garage. Someone suggested the clutch slave cylinder might be to blame. What do you think?
M. Amos, Warwickshire
Matt says:
AWe think you should examine the gearchange cables. It’s quite common for the lubricant to dry out, making gear selection obstructive.
The effect of water ingress – or heat – may be why it’s worse after a run. Work some penetrating oil into the ends of the cables, if possible, while having an assistant operate the gear lever. If it improves, take the time to attend to them properly with something thicker like motor oil or an aerosol motorcycle chain lubricant – or replace them with new ones. Lubricate any other parts of the linkage you can get to, including the joint at the base of the gear lever. Jumping out of gear might be down to the engine pulling at both the outer and inner cables (which can’t move as independently as they should) as it tilts on its mountings... to
which end, also make sure the engine and gearbox mounts aren’t sagging or breaking up. A failing clutch hydraulic system may be a contributory factor, but since the slave cylinder’s inside the bellhousing you can only carry out rudimentary checks. Make sure the reservoir isn’t losing fluid. Check that the clutch biting point isn’t right on the floor and that the pedal travel isn’t limited by a thick floormat. A clutch master cylinder can become weak if the piston seal wears out, but this might not be accompanied by leakage. The hydraulic parts could be nearing the end of their life, given the age and mileage of the car. Do check the gearbox oil level.