Name that Noise!

[4x4Newbie]

I would search this however i'm not quite sure what to search so here we go!

I just bought the truck on monday (its now thursday) and it's acted fine til tonight. The only thing i had noticed the past 2 days was a weird little almost purring noise while not in gear(neutral) that went away when i totally depressed the clutch pedal, but i didn't think much of it. Tonight as i went to put it into reverse it grinded a bit so i let off figuring i didn't have th clutch engaged all the way. After making sure the clutch was engaged completely i tried it again with the same result. then i decided to try 1st gear, no grinding however it seemed blocked. i tried it again and it did finally go in but it was a bit forced. then i decided to pump the clutch 2 or 3 times to see if that helped and IT DID!

So what's your educated guess?

My uneducated guess is that i don't have enough hydrolic pressure. Sound like anything that would cause this behaviour? i'm by no means a mechanic so i may be way off but i was thinking that a lack in pressure could cause this, i dunno, it's been a long time since i learned the basics of manual trannies.

Bottom line is i need help so any advice on troubleshooting is much appreciated.

 

[Donner]

Well, this is the probably the most expensive perspective - I can't think right now, but it was the clutch failing - maybe someone can elaborate, I just can't recall. It would do all that you said yours is doing... there might be a fix that's less expensive than replacing any of those items.

 

[MrShorty]

Does sound like a hydraulic issue. Did you check the clutch reservoir for fluid?

 

[Glen4X4]

My sports did that too when putting it in reverse it'd grind. BUT I experimented and started doing this anytime I'd go to reverse I'd press clutch in of course and put it in first then while still having clutch pressed in take out of first and into reverse (without releasing the clutch anytime) that way it'd always go in reverse without grinding.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

make sure the clutch is good, and your reservoir is filled. at least you know about where the problem is...

 

[4x4Newbie]

Does sound like a hydraulic issue. Did you check the clutch reservoir for fluid?

Thats exactly where i intend to start....tomorrow. i work way too much and haven't had time yet...well i haven't had any day light yet. i'll start my troubleshooting 2morrow, HOPEFULLY its as simple as low hydraulic fluid.

Anybody else have any ideas as to what it may be or things i can check? tomorrow will be my first day with a good amount of time to spend under it, anything i specific i should be checking/replacing for wear/tear after 160k?

 

[RangerX]

First thing is check the clutch fluid resivoir under the hood. Remove the rubber boot, then make sure the fluid level is up to the step.

If your fluid is already good, next thing is to try bleeding it. Search here for a step by step. edit: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/bleedclutch.htm

If that doesn't help, it's the beginning of your slave cylinder going out. It will slowly get harder and harder to shift into first when you're stopped, then other gears will follow.

Best thing to do is search here for "slave cylinder", "trouble shifting", and "replace clutch".