Grinding into reverse

Kasekuchen · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:50 pm Post subject: Grinding into reverse

Hey all, I was wondering if I could get a little advice.

I own a 1970 standard bug with a 1776 engine. Last year I took it to a shop and had quite a bit of work done on it, most notably, a complete tranny rebuild.

All through winter it shifts just fine, but now that it's summer shifting into reverse produces a short grinding noise, and a noticeable jerk. It only does this when the engine is warmed up, or hot.

Also, I cannot shift into first if the engine is hot and the car is at a complete stop. It doesn't grind, it simply does not go into first gear no matter how hard I push. However, if I am rolling forward at around 5 mph, it slides right into gear with no problem.

Any ideas?

Bruce · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 11:28 pm Post subject:

Adjust your clutch.
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Kasekuchen · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 11:40 pm Post subject:

Vee Dub · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

Hey, just wondering if you solved the problem to your reverse grinding and difficulty getting into first. I'm having the exact same problem on my 68 Ghia and could use some advice. Thanks.

Bookwus · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:29 am Post subject:

Hiya Vee,

Take the thing over to Bruce. You're in the same city!
_________________
Mike

1970 AS Bug
1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck

Have an AutoStick? Check out www.auto-stick.com

Vee Dub · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

Yeah I've noticed he posts a lot of info, does he have a mechanic shop? How can I contact him? thanks i'm a newbee

Bookwus · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:36 am Post subject:

Hiya Vee,

Shoot him a pm.
_________________
Mike

1970 AS Bug
1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck

Have an AutoStick? Check out www.auto-stick.com

Vee Dub · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:46 am Post subject:

thanks just did, hopefully I'll hear back from him soon.

deathroll77 · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 12:35 pm Post subject:

Vee Dub · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

I'm going to adjust the clutch tommorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.

Vee Dub · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:31 pm Post subject:

Clutch adjusted, shift rod coupler changed, bushing changed. Grinding gone!! Shifting smoothly again!!
Thanks for the suggestions.

jd-drafter · Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject:

just started to get the reverse grind after replacing the transmission mounts.

i adjusted the clutch after the swap and it seems to have been fine for a week or 2... it has been a while since i had to adjust one... 68 swing axle..

i have about 1-1/2" of free play in it now... do i need less? do i have it too tight?

thanks..

Bruce · Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 11:56 pm Post subject:

Factory spec is 10-20mm.
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jd-drafter · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:58 am Post subject:

is that at the pedal or the arm?

bugninva · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:36 am Post subject:

at the pedal
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jd-drafter · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 2:26 pm Post subject:

well i noticed today that if i simply shift to 2nd, then without letting the clutch out, put it in reverse it will go without grinding...

could it be a fluid level issue?

thanks again...

bugninva · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject:

no, it's an adjustment issue... the shifting into another gear first just allows the spinning parts to get closer to matched speeds... if you push in your clutch then wait 5 seconds before selecting reverse it'll likely not grind either... adjust the clutch cable, don't over think it... Wink

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Greg Reid · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 1:58 pm Post subject:

I know this is old but I prefer to search archives than to start a new thread.
I have this same problem. Grinds when trying to go into reverse...as of today, it's worse. Acts like the clutch is not even engaged but only into reverse.
Had noticed for a few weeks that when I went into reverse, I'd get a 'clunk' like an automatic tranny. Also, once I let the clutch out and start moving back, a slight jerkiness to the movement.
No real problem with jumping out of gear, going into second or any other gear...although, sometimes first will grind just a hair after coming out of reverse...especially if I'm not at a dead stop yet from moving back.
I'm hoping it's just an adjustment problem as noted in this thread...

My question now is how to go about the clutch adjustment?
Is it measured at the gearbox or the pedal? I'm assuming the adjustment is at the wingnut on the gearbox?

jd-drafter · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:12 pm Post subject:

pretty simple-

i guess the gear box is the general area... specifically on the driver's side- top of the bellhousing-

there is a lever that is about 4" long- (it varies but close) that the clutch cable goes through and it is held with a large wing-nut. that is your adjustment.

the wing nut and arm have detents every so often to hold the nut from coming lose on it's own.

you will want to have either an adjustable wrench or a set of vise grips to hold the cable from turning- there should be flats on the threaded portion- and some folks will put a shop rag over the cable just in case-

Then simply tighten the nut (righty tighty) to tighten the cable- this will shorten the slack- per the previous posts- an inch to inch and 1/2 free play is good-

it is very easy to over tighten- then you will have a slipping clutch-

good luck...

Greg Reid · Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:18 pm Post subject:

Wow, that was a quick response. Thanks a ton. 1 to 1.5 free play as measured at the pedal, correct? Meaning the pedal should move 1 inch or so before the clutch arm moves?


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