Gear box issue

[Pagen]

Hi all just put my ducato Autotrail into reverse but didn’t dip the clutch , loud clunk and stalled . Can select all gears still and reversed up little levelling ramps on pitch. However on tick over without clutch pedal depressed quite noticeable nocking noise. Depress clutch no noise and gears can be engaged. What damage do you think I have done and if I get recovery anyone recommend mechanic in Cambridgeshire somewhere near March. Help desperately needed ! Just on long weekend away in Norfolk at mo

 

[pappajohn]

Possible damage to clutch disc shock springs.
Depressing pedal will stop the disc spinning, release pedal and disc spins again.
It may just be a broken spring rattling but they are captive and shouldn't cause further damage.
My choice would be wait until I got home before investigating/repairing.

 

[Pagen]

been driving the wife’s automatic all week so pressed the brake pedal and engaged reverse however forgot I was in the manual mo Ho! Take it you think driving it will be ok, need to find someone fairly local who can repair this. If necessary I can get recovered but need to find somewhere to take it to

 

[HandyAndy]

Would categorically not drive that home or you may risk lunching the gearbox further. Just not worth it.
Could have snapped a layshaft, damaged dual mass, or cracked clutch driven plate. All of which if failed while driving would be sure to cause further damage. AA / RAC to a garage for inspection IMO.

 

[Wildbill]

If its old stile clutch could be a broken spring or center plate
Bill

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[Candapack]

How old is it|?
Reason I ask is I had quite an expensive gearbox issue. Van was only just out of warranty, Fiat were really good. They paid for all the major parts, c. £1,200, I paid for labour and sundries, c. £800.

 

[stevewagner]

Might be the thrust bearing

 

[HandyAndy]

Might be the thrust bearing

Dumping the vehicle into gear without using the clutch and therefore without using the thrust bearing (as this is what operates the clutch) will have had NO effect on the thrust bearing at all.

 

[tonyidle]

It could simply be that you are anticipating damage and the knock has always been there. Gear clearance can cause a regular tapping (not a serious knock) at idle. It will stop when the clutch is disengaged because the gearbox isn't connected. What you did isn't as dramatic as you perhaps imagine. Reverse is still (in most gearboxes) engaged by dogs or by direct movement of a gear with no synchromesh involved. Damage (if any) would likely be limited to a chipped dog or geartooth the last of which might cause a noise (pretty unlikely until engaged though). Once the gear has engaged the resultant forces are more or less absorbed by the engine/gearbox rubber mountings until the van moves or the engine stalls.

 

[jockaneezer]

I hope your gearbox issue turns out to be nothing serious but just a word of caution, I'm sure I heard somewhere that it's not good practice to reverse onto levelling ramps ?
Something to do with the reverse gear ratio and optimum engine revs/turbo performance that ends up with you having to slip the clutch excessively. I'm sure someone with the appropriate knowledge will be along to confirm or dispel the theory shortly.

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[Figaro]

it's not good practice to reverse onto levelling ramps ?

I think your correct, I've seen / smelt smoking clutches a number of times when vehicles have been reversing and manoeuvring up a hill.
It must be something to do with the ratio on reverse gera

 

[kevntrace]

Hi all just put my ducato Autotrail into reverse but didn’t dip the clutch , loud clunk and stalled . Can select all gears still and reversed up little levelling ramps on pitch. However on tick over without clutch pedal depressed quite noticeable nocking noise. Depress clutch no noise and gears can be engaged. What damage do you think I have done and if I get recovery anyone recommend mechanic in Cambridgeshire somewhere near March. Help desperately needed ! Just on long weekend away in Norfolk at mo

Is the noise like a 'chattering' then when you dip the clutch it disappears ? If so,that could be the same fault i have on my ducato at the moment,its in the garage at the moment having the gearbox re-furbed ,apparently its the reverse idler gear(the bearing collapses allowing the gear to try & engage) thats what the chattering noise is. Dont know how safe it will be to drive like this.
My MH is just inside the warranty(bought used from a dealer with 45k on the clock).
cost of refurb is about £600-£700 +labour.
hope you get it sorted.
kev

 

[Pagen]

Yes, it is a chattering since my thinking I was on the automatic motor and didn’t dip clutch to engage reverse. Stops when I do dip clutch. Can engage all gears but am going to get recovered rather than risk further damage . It’s only done 19 thou but on a 57 plate and sadly no warranty! Really appreciate all help and suggestions on this marvellous site. Could someone set up a ‘go fund me page’ cos I reckon we are going to need it?!

 

[Pagen]

Conclusion is as follows :gearbox damaged . Could of had it stripped / replacing damaged parts but decided on replacement box plus changed clutch whilst there . Big thank you for speedy and efficient service by SMS Yaxley.