Stiff XL-7 Gears

Coasty Craig · 08-11-2008, 03:06 AM

Hi I'm new here.

My XL-7 is about 5 years old now & I've had it since new. In the last 6 months the gears have become very stiff and occassionally clash between shifts. Changing back to 1st from 2nd is particularly hard especially when the car has been running for a while and is well warmed up.

Anyone esle experiencing these problems and whats the cause and remedy?

Coasty Craig

murcod · 08-11-2008, 05:15 AM

Your best bet would be to try some high quality synthetic gear oil (eg. Redline or Neo are two I'd recommend looking at.)

It sounds like your box might be suffering a bit of wear, but in my experiences a decent oil might just make the problem almost unnoticeable.

Max · 08-11-2008, 03:32 PM

10-4 on the syn lubes.

Also, is your clutch system ok? (full engagement near the top and 1/2" to 1" of free-play)? If much more play...you may not be achieving full disengagement.

Welcome aboard Coasty (like in mud duck?)

Max
USN-(ret)

Coasty Craig · 08-12-2008, 02:29 AM

Hi Guys,

Thanks to Murcod and Max for your advice. The car only has 98000 gentle klm's on the clock so i don't think the gear box should be worn. I'll try the oils first and see what eventuates. Also the gear box quietly clatters and sounds a bit like a deisel when its in neutral with the clutch out - makes me think the clutch may need adjustment, if that can be done. Can that be done? There is a definite clunk as I try and shift into first.

A gear box and diff specialist has told me he has pulled down several Suzuki gearboxes that were stiff, and found absolutely nothing wrong. Seems like a Suzi thing.

Any way thanks again.

Max · 08-12-2008, 04:19 AM

I see the kilometers ref now, so you must be non-US. My "Coasty" inference is slang for our the US Coastguard folks, of which I guess you are not.

The clicking trans related noise COULD be the clutch release bearing or arm on it's way out, but that is pretty unlikely w/so few miles, unless a daily stop and go vehicle.

Clutch adjustment? There isn't a typical adjustment as in a mechanical linkage set-up. Assuming that you have hydraulics, it's a matter of keeping the system leak free and it rarely needs bleeding unless you've replaced components. Again, see my earlier comment about pedal travel.

Go lube change and hope for the best.

murcod · 08-12-2008, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coasty Craig

Also the gear box quietly clatters and sounds a bit like a deisel when its in neutral with the clutch out - makes me think the clutch may need adjustment, if that can be done. Can that be done? There is a definite clunk as I try and shift into first.

I always thought that was a sign of the noise coming from the gearbox itself? That's what my old Feroza gearbox did and it had worn bearings. Do you know if the correct oil type and viscosity has been used for it's whole life? I think they specify a GL4 rated oil which can be hard to find.

I don't know how to adjust the clutch as I've got an auto. If it's a cable clutch then make sure there's some slack in the cable when the clutch is fully released. Normally there is an adjustment mechanism down near the clutch arm off the bell housing, but some cars have auto adjusting mechanism which are a right PITA. If hydraulic then bleeding like I think Max suggested might be worth a try.

mudpaler · 10-21-2008, 02:17 PM

Hi we had the same problem with our 2001 Grand Vitara, exactly the same symptoms, approc 95K on the car.
Rectification turned out to be the clutch bearing, cost about $1300 to replace clutch & bearing, never had a problemt since.

Good luck

Coasty Craig · 10-21-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudpaler

Hi we had the same problem with our 2001 Grand Vitara, exactly the same symptoms, approc 95K on the car.
Rectification turned out to be the clutch bearing, cost about $1300 to replace clutch & bearing, never had a problemt since.

Good luck

Thanks Everyone,
The problems is all sorted. I needed new clutch slave and master cylinders, relpaced the gearbox oil and we are now all good. I must admit I am not happy that this needed to be done on such low milage.

Thanks again for all the advice and suggestions. Now my wheel bearings are on the blink. So its off to the mechnic again.

Coasty Craig

IndyIan · 10-24-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coasty Craig

Thanks Everyone,
The problems is all sorted. I needed new clutch slave and master cylinders, relpaced the gearbox oil and we are now all good. I must admit I am not happy that this needed to be done on such low milage.

Thanks again for all the advice and suggestions. Now my wheel bearings are on the blink. So its off to the mechnic again.

Coasty Craig

Yep, these aren't Honda Civics in terms of reliability... Did you rest your foot on the clutch pedal as a habit or have alot of clutch use in city driving?