Freelander 1 PG1 Reverse Selection

On my 1.8 G4, ever since I got it it is difficult to get into reverse and, embarrassingly, usually makes a graunching noise when it does go in!

Is there a known selector wear issue or something that fails, like a spring, that means engaging it is difficult and noisy??

All other gears are fine, clutch is smooth and accurate, just reverse when stationary.
Thanks.

Sticky clutch splines

The PG1 was kinda known to be difficult to get into reverse, even on my brand new ZS 180. It normally makes a noise, as the reverse idler is always spinning freely in this box design.

Thanks, had a look on the Rover MG forum and it does seem to be a design fault as you say.

Some suggest double de clutch and some selecting another gear then into reverse.

Will try it. Might put a small indicator on the dash repeating the reverse light to show when it is actually in reverse. Assuming the reverse light switch actually confirms selection.

andyfreelandy said:

Thanks, had a look on the Rover MG forum and it does seem to be a design fault as you say.

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It's more of a quirk than a design fault. It's something that was carried over from the original Honda design, just as the clutch judder was.

andyfreelandy said:

Some suggest double de clutch and some selecting another gear then into reverse.

Click to expand...

I can't remember how I dealt with it now, but I'm sure I used to double de clutch to select reverse. It becomes automatic after a decade of using the same gearbox.

Mine always feels like I'm going to lose reverse at some point.

I will quite often engage reverse, lift on the clutch and its not fully engaged, even more often gingerly lifting the clutch in case its not engaged.

It is only the very last tiny bit of gear stick movement that engages it. So feel that if there is the tiniest bit of wear in the linkage I won't be able to get reverse.

Been like it for 10 years though.

However, it always goes into gear OK, not grinding - so long as I've actually engaged it.