littlelegs
21st Sep 2009, 10:03
Set off with the '96 300 TDI Disco and caravan for France and the Maginot Line forts last weekend, all ok from the M20 until Dover where a road diversion near the docks sent us up the hill to join the A2 traffic. Following a German caravan we stopped at a set of lights, pulled away on green and halfway across a clonk and a judder stopped us. In neutral but still had a gear selected so tried to select first again which only managed to jam the gearstick. Managed to move slowly and noisily clear of the junction which indicated a baulk ring jamming and slipping. Thought perhaps a grub screw had come lose so whipped off the top of the gearbox and levered the gear selector free, couldn't find anything obvious. With transfer box in neutral managed to find main box neutral then first after a bit of clattering so crawled up the hill in low ratio to a layby where I put everything back. Nice man in a Disco offered to help with towing and getting any parts, many thanks if listening in.
Set off again but as changing to second felt the other gear engage all on its own, stopped got neutral again, set off very gingerly around the roundabout to go back home. Down the hill the gears seemed to be normal and by that time the road works had gone so a snap decision to head for the ferry. We did another 1000 miles without a problem although I was more gentle with the gearshifts and consious of noise, seemed to rattle a bit when labouring up hill but ok with more revs. I put this down to wear at 165000 miles or sticking detent spring or seized bearing but has anyone got a better suggestion or has it happened to them? Ideas appreciated.
Set off again but as changing to second felt the other gear engage all on its own, stopped got neutral again, set off very gingerly around the roundabout to go back home. Down the hill the gears seemed to be normal and by that time the road works had gone so a snap decision to head for the ferry. We did another 1000 miles without a problem although I was more gentle with the gearshifts and consious of noise, seemed to rattle a bit when labouring up hill but ok with more revs. I put this down to wear at 165000 miles or sticking detent spring or seized bearing but has anyone got a better suggestion or has it happened to them? Ideas appreciated.