Car grinds going into reverse

[Joe C.]

Re: Car grinds going into reverse

Stu,

I always start the car in reverse simply because the car needs to be in reverse in order for me to get the key out so when I get back into the car the next time I want to go for a drive it's already in reverse.
Unfortunately the condition does not improve after a lengthy drive or after driving the car more frequently. I don't drive the car a ton but, I try not to let it sit longer than a week before I take her out.

I am thinking about calling the Corvette Paramedics in Mt. Holly to take a look at the car since I am not equipped with the tools or knowledge to try and make the repair myself. Does anyone have any experience with these guys and/or can you recommend someone to check this out for me?

Dave et al:

I hope that you all realize that the "rear synchro" statement above was tongue-in-cheek.

No, you should not have to rebuild the transmission. You indicated that you are selling the car. The next owner will have to replace the rear idler gear, which always gets damaged from unsynchronized engagement of reverse gear. This condition is true of most reverse idler gears, which are installed in transmissions with at least 100 cycles of reverse gear grinding, but definitely NOT AN ISSUE, and not the cause, but rather the effect.

Clutch has too much freeplay. You should have about 1" - 1 1/2" clutch free play.

Finally, depress the clutch, shift into a forward gear, then reverse before letting out the clutch.

Joe