Is it the gears or clutch or what ??

Hi All !!!

Just joined here as we love our newly purchased disco's and want to know more.

But I have my first problem.....

We bought.

2.0 MPI and a 2.5 TDI - both 97 and both 7 seaters (only a week ago)

Ive drove both of these and for some reason the petrol one's gear changing is terrible.

The clutch peddle is very stiff to press down and half the time it clunks into gear.
but on the diseal its very easy to press down and the gear changing is smooth.

so question...

Is the petrol one supposed to be like this, or is the cluch or gearbox on its way out ? or something else ??

Thanks

Kes

Sounds like the petrol has a fault with it, could be hydraulic issue - at least start with that as it’s the cheapest.

Check for leaks around the cylinders, is there plenty fluid etc...

Was the disco sat unused for a long time, release mech could have seized up a bit, may get better on its own with use.

Anyway if it’s not slipping then I would investigate the hydraulics for now.

Thanks for the quick reply, but all that went over my head...

I have no idea on the workings of them, can you stupidfy it a bit for me..lol

I suggest you get hold of a haynes manaual, or download the workshop manuals which are floating about on here somewhere.

To get you going:

If you look in the engine bay behind the clutch you will see a little bottle/cylinder looking thing, this is the master cylinder which basicly pushes fluid down to the salve, which operates a rod and releases the clutch. Take the lid off the master and see if there is a clear looking fluid in it, if not or its low, top it up (no rocket science here, just make sure its got plenty fluid in it) Look for leaks from the pipe at the top of the master, running out of it, check pedal arm for leaks in the footwell...

Then you need to get under the vehicle and look to the back of the engine, where the gearbox mounts, around there on the passenger side you will see a little round cylinder with a pipe going into it, this is the slave cylinder, does it look like there are any leaks from here?

Disco's are also prone to the clutch release fork inside the bell housing wearing which then binds on its pivot and can produce a very stiff pedal and clucking/grinding of gears due to the clutch not disengaging properly

Not a DIY job unless your good with a tool kit