Tricky Gearbox Question

Hi guys,

My 1992 Volvo 850 GLT has 135k up on it and it a great car to drive. I have suffered most of the known gremlins known to afflict the early 850's but it still hasn't put me off the car. However, the latest known woe is with the gearbox. I am beginning to have trouble selecting 1st, 2nd and reverse gears and sometimes I have to press the clutch a few times and force the lever into gear. I presume my gearbox is worn (am I correct?). My question is:- does anybody know will a gearbox from a later Volvo fit mine? I have tried my local Volvo dealer to no avail.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Colm
1992 Volvo 850 2.0 20V GLT Saloon

could it be maybe that the clutch isnt disengaging properly? how high is the bite point on it?

[sholtby]

The description of your problem is typical of a worn clutch. Cheaper than a new gearbox!

Simon

Thanks guys,

I like the sound of that. I'll get my mechanic to confirm it and get it changed.

Cheers,

Colm

Hello again,

I have been thinking about the clutch again last night...why do I experience the problems in 1st, 2nd and reverse and not in 4th and 5th??

Hi Colm,

Probably because 1st, 2nd and reverse are very close ratios (well 1st and reverse are anyway). 3rd, 4th and 5th are not very close and therefore easier. For example, it's often quite easy to select 4th or 5th at the right revs without using the clutch. Not recommended but possible.

BTW, if you're getting the clutch done, get the rear main seal done at the same time.

Regards

Andy

yeah thats completely right.

if you want to make things easier in the time being, try dryreving your engine just before you push the clutch in - this might help the gears engage (in all situations other than the car stationary)

[don kalmar union]

Hello Colm,

It will be good news if this is just your clutch neding renewal.

However,if not then you are faced with replacing the complete box as Volvo, along with a fair few other manufacturers, do not sell any gearbox parts....just new for old complete boxes.

In that case your best bet is to source a good used box from a breaker.. arround £400 plus VAT is about the going rate in SE England.

There are two excellent sources on the links page on my website...Braydon in E London and Charles Trent in Poole.

Don.Norchi.

www.kalmar-union.com

TME engineered software UK distributor.

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies. It feels great to know that there is such support out there for what is a great car.

I'm going to order up a clutch etc and get it changed out in the next week or so.

My partner has just picked up a mint 1991 Volvo 440 GLE so I might be able to use this as an excuse to persuade her to let me have it while mine is in the garage. The car only cost us €850 and has just had a full service including timing belt!

Once again, thanks for the help,

Best Regards,

Colm
1992 Volvo 850 GLT 2.0 20V with 135k on the clock!