Need Help Diagnosing Cluth/Tranny Issue

[Hugh]

Well, finally after 130,000 miles something broke!

I was driving home a little while ago and during a 2 - 3 shift the gear selector refused to go into gear. I tried going back to second and it wouldn't go. I had enough speed that I was able to coast in the shoulder for a while to a safe spot alongside the highway. At one point the clutch pedal sank to the floor and I had to hook it with my foot to bring it back up. That only happened once though.

After coasting to a stop I was able to coax her into 3rd gear and was able to pull away and actually get all the way into my garage without further shifting. I did not notice any clutch slippage at all for the 10 miles or so to my house and no unusual sounds.

Once in the garage I made the fllowing observations.

With the engine NOT running, I can engage the clutch and shift freely through the gears.

With the engine running I cannot get the shifter to engage in any gear.

If I shut the engine off then shift into first or reverse then start the engine with the clutch pedal pressed down there is a whining/chattering sound coming from the back of the car.

Anyone have a possible diagnosis?

Thanks,
Hugh

 

[Mojorator]

Sounds like a new clutch is in order..Maybe the TO bearings or pressure plates are gone.

Just my opinion.

Mike

 

[drew]

Guess: a clutch disc spring came loose and is causing you grief.

The only way to determine the solution is to pull the clutch, expect to replace it.

Drew

 

[Hugh]

Thanks for the input guys. After reading through some older threads it seems my symptons are not uncommon when a clutch fails.

Are these the correct part numbers that I'll need for a 1993?

22000-PR7-305 - Clutch Kit
22810-PR8-003 - T/O Bearing

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I would carefully investigate the hydraulics first. The pedal going to the floor indicates low fluid, i.e. bad slave or master cylinder for the clutch. Check for low reservoir fluid, then look for leaking under by your feet (master) or back by the trans clutch housing (slave).

The gear shifting improperly is a sign the clutch cannot disengaging. This can be caused by a broken clutch, and just as common, a fluid problem with master/slave.

If the fluid level is fine, and no sign of leaking is found, then I would consider a clutch replacement. FWIW, if it is the clutch it owns you nothing at 130K.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Dave Hardy]

I'm with Larry. Eliminate Hydraulics first, since they are external.

 

[Hugh]

Hydraulics seemed ok. Did not detect any leakage from either the master or slave cylinder. The reservoir was full.

I have the necessary parts and my car has a date with Mike at MCA Motorsports in Miami a week from Monday. I'm also going to replace the 4 CV Boots, have the valves checked and have anything else looked at that Mike deems appropriate.

You're right Larry, the clutch served a long, above average life. No regrets here!
I am going to go nuts though. I drive this car every day and I'm already feeling withdrawal symptoms!

Thanks everyone for your input.