[esurveyor]

I have recently found it more and more difficult to select reverse gear. The grating noise is suggesting that the reverse cog is wearing and I am assuming the worst, in that the gearbox will have to come out, a new reverse cog fitted and then re-assembled. Whilst the gearbox is out, I am assuming that this would be a good time to have a new clutch fitted. The car is a 1999 2.0 LPT with 72,000 miles on the clock. I have been to my local independent specialist who has estimated the cost at a figure in the region of £800 inc VAT. Before I proceed or at the least, get a second estimate, do any of you have experince of this problem? I wondered if you thought the cost was reasonable. In all other respects the car is excellent, so I am reluctant to opt for a change. If this work is done, I plan to keep the car for a while, but I would be very glad to hear of your experiences and thoughts on the price for such work. Many thanks.

 

[Hartz777]

Your problem is far more likely to be due to the clutch not disengaging fully. This could be due to worn clutch plate as there is no adjustment on the hydraulic system. Does the clutch "slip" at all?

I've never heard of anyone having problems with the reverse idler gear, but this could be a first I suppose?

 

[VincentD]

Try re-aligning the gear shift linkage first.

 

[Hartz777]

Good point VincentD!

 

[esurveyor]

Thanks for your valuable comments guys - it is very much appreciated. I will at least be able to go back to the garage and make a few suggestions. It seemed to be a fast diagnosis and a fast way to spend alot of cash, so the research has proven to be a real benefit. Many many thanks again for your time.

 

[saabtech]

the gear aligning is worth doing first but as a saab technician i have seen this fault many times there is a modified reverse gear that can be fitted together with a modification kit to make 5th gear engagement and release easier and 3rd and 4th syncros. i think reverse gear problems arise because people dont put them in reverse bfore swithcing off. and just slam them in after to get the keys out.

 

[Trollbooster]

Anyone got any more details of this kit please? looks likr I'll be pulling boxes out of a 900 after I've put an auto in a 9k......