5 speed w/shifting problem

[mtuck]

I've got a '91 XL 2WD (155,000 miles)with a Mazda 5 speed that is having problems shifting into 5th gear. Sometimes it goes in to gear smooth and other times it won't go at all, or it goes in but it takes a little extra effort. I plan on replacing the slave, clutch, etc.. soon since it also has a hard time going into 1st on occassion. I was just wondering if anyone knew if this was a clutch problem or a transmission/synchro type problem. Any input would help.

Thanks.

 

[Cameron]

My truck is in the shop for this exact problem. The slave and master cylinders went out on mine. I couldn’t get it into any gear. I was stuck at a busy intersection! Anyway, thankfully I have an extended warrantee on my 97 Sport. I should get it back Tuesday.

Peace

 

[DOGMAN]

Most likely a clutch problem. Not bad if this is the original clutch and has 155K on it. That's about what mine had on it when I replaced the clutch, slave cylinder, and resurfaced the flywheel. It'll drive like new when you get that done. Mine was showing about the same signs that you are describing. It cost me $500, including parts and labor, a couple of years ago. I was told by many that the OEM Ford clutch was the way to go, that's what I used.

 

[PunkChild]

Mine does the same thing, the dealer says my clutch might be worn and will need to be replaced soon. I hate clutches. I've gone through 5 or 6 now.

 

[Cameron]

I'm finally picking my truck up today! They have had the thing since last Wednesday! I'm going through serious withdrawals!!!!!

 

[BIG-B]

cameron
i feel ya
i had accident last year
i lost mine for three months
but it it don't run right

 

[Cameron]

Went to pick up my truck last night and just before I left the house they call me to say it’s not ready! They tell me they need to bleed the clutch or something because they are not getting any peddle. They say to call Saturday around noon. Well at 12.00 I’m at the shop (CarMax in Schaumburg). They tell me that the slave cylinder that they just installed is defective! It was on back order and I had to wait over a week to get this one. My service guy (Rick) said he cant guarantee that I’ll have my truck back for a week, maybe more! I told him my warrantee only gives me a rental for 5 days and I have to return it today. Rick gave me a loaner! I couldn’t believe it. They pull up in the Nissan Altima and says I can have this for as long as they have my truck. I don’t mind telling you I was very pleasantly surprised. It is not CarMax’s fault the parts are defective and they certainly didn’t have top loan me a car. They just moved up a couple of notches on my scale. They are doing their best to make an unpleasant situation very tolerable.

 

[felsmann]

Did it ever fix your problem?

I have had the same problem for 8 months now. 4 slaves, 2 masters, and 2 mechanics later and still no fix. I won't even mention how much $$$ The problem is always hard shifting, except for 200 miles or so after bleeding it, during this period it drives great.

 

[InNeed]

I am having the same problem. Sometimes my car shifts fine other times it won't go into gear at all. I just took mine to a transmission shop today and they said it would be $800 to fix it. Then I called around and found someone that would to it for $600. I need a new clutch and a new slave cylinder and possibly to have the flywheel turned. When ever I have a problem the first thing I do is take it to a shop that has free estimates. Then I go home and review the damage and deside if I can put the old Haynes Repair Manual to work myself. Otherwise I fork out the dough. Now the money I was going to put to a lift is going into a new clutch. I love messing around with cars but sometimes they are just a money pit.

 

[felsmann]

At least you know what your problem is!! Ford or anyone for that matter doesn't know what the problem is!!

 

[InNeed]

Felsmann,
I don't know if this would affect anything but when you lifted your truck did you do anything about the angle of the drive shaft. It seems that if the drive shaft is at too sharp of an agle it might cause stress on the meshing between the engine and transmission possibly causing shifting problems. I am not a car doctor but I have seen people build cars from the ground up and the differential angle is always stressed as an important factor.

 

[felsmann]

Unfortunatelly, I've had this problem since before I lifted it, so that is not it.