And now we move on to gearbox problems.

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Disco Moneypit

Disco Moneypit

New Member
Posts
925
Location
North Derbyshire / South Yorkshire
I swear my Disco is a bloody woman. it simply doesn't matter how much I pamper her, spend almost all my money on her, and a large amount of my time, it's just one bloody thing after another :(

So, this week, not only do we have the occasional overheating problems, but I now also have gear selection problems. Oh joy!


Right, my style of driving is, and always has been very gear heavy, as in I am always changing gear. A situation intensified in the Disco because of it's very narrow powerband.

Having never driven another manual Land Rover, I don't really have anything to compare it to, but IMHO the box has never been great. Very agriculteral, but otherwise ok all things considered.

However, over the past two days I have had trouble selecting 2nd, 3rd & 4th. On the downshifts it is only 2nd that is a little notchy, even whilst heel & toeing, (which I cant do with trainers on as my feet aint big enough).

On the upshifts it is the change into 3rd and definatly the change into 4th that is the cause of concern, but only about 50% of the time, and only when warm.

It kinda feels like the gate for 3rd & 4th has moved over to the left? It also feels like the gearstick has twisted slightly anti-clockwise? 4th is the worse, and it has got to the point now where I am not sure if it is going to go into 2nd, 4th, or even worse reverse.

I'm guessing, (and it really is a guess), that there are either selector cables or selector rods that are either in need of a greasing, or maybe have come loose?


Am I barking up the wrong tree?

Any tips or advice on how to remady this?

Is it a pain in the ass job?

Is it likely to cost me another bloody fortune?



In advance chaps, thanks.
 
gemsdad said:
not leaked out has it???
Click to expand...


Good question, but no. Or atleast I don't think so.

My oil filter weeps a little, but the gearbox, transfer box and diffs don't look to have lost a drop. I topped them all up untill it started to leak out of the filler hole thingy.

Now you've mentioned it, I will check them first, (checking is free and easy), but I seriously doubt that is the issue.


Thanks anyway.
 
Disco Moneypit said:
Good question, but no. Or atleast I don't think so.

My oil filter weeps a little, but the gearbox, transfer box and diffs don't look to have lost a drop. I topped them all up untill it started to leak out of the filler hole thingy.

Now you've mentioned it, I will check them first, (checking is free and easy), but I seriously doubt that is the issue.

Thanks anyway.
Click to expand...


You will have an LT77 gearbox in your Disco and these are known to be a bit notchy. They can be improved significantly by filling with EVO1 oil from Difflock.com - it's not cheap but it does work .
 
Had something similar in P38 with manual box. In my case was clutch slave cylinder, release bearing and pressure plate. So swapped the clutch too while I was at it. On the P38 the gearbox is fitted using a special jig to align it, get that wrong and you feel a big cold rock drop through the pit of your stomach when you next drive the car cos you just spent all that money and time and it didn't work... but if the thing is fitted right its nickel. One more tip, aftermarket replacement clutches and other bits, in my experience, have proved a false economy. They have a short and unhappy life. I'd spend the extra and get genuine parts for this cos it'll pay you back in lifespan and driveability. And of course checkin' all the oil levels as mentioned already (including by you) is a good idea regardless!
 
Last edited:
Disco Moneypit said:
It kinda feels like the gate for 3rd & 4th has moved over to the left? It also feels like the gearstick has twisted slightly anti-clockwise? 4th is the worse, and it has got to the point now where I am not sure if it is going to go into 2nd, 4th, or even worse reverse.
Click to expand...

it could be the bias plate cos my 200 tdi does that and i was told i need a new bias plate
 
Dorset VogueSE said:
Do you have a 200tdi or 300tdi?? as they have different boxes and might help track down the fault.
Click to expand...


1996 300 TDi.

The problem hasn't got any worse, but I haven't had the time to do anything other than check the fluids, (which were all fine).

Planning a week off in September, so if it hasn't got any worse then I will sort it then. Kinda driving around the problem at the moment by 'feeling' for the gear as opposed to just slotting it in.
 
Disco Moneypit said:
1996 300 TDi.

The problem hasn't got any worse, but I haven't had the time to do anything other than check the fluids, (which were all fine).

Planning a week off in September, so if it hasn't got any worse then I will sort it then. Kinda driving around the problem at the moment by 'feeling' for the gear as opposed to just slotting it in.
Click to expand...


Hi DM, have just re-read your original post as well as the one above and it sounds more and more like your bias plate has gone.

Before you start the job might I suggest a quick trip to your local LR parts supplier and get a bias plate about £4.50 plus two springs about £0.80 each.

Changing the plate is done from inside the car after you have removed the centre console (takes about 15 mins) then you will have access to the top of the 'box. Under a square-ish cover plate is the bias plate - compare the old with the new and you'll probably find the bit that sticks up has broken off.

Undo two bolts and replace - whole job takes 1 hr max from start to finish.

Good luck
 
The Mad Hat Man said:
refit a strengthened bias plate - a few peeps make them.
Click to expand...

Thanks to all the above posters who have suggested the bias plate, but MHM, I have a question......


The vehicle is 13 years old, with 178'000 miles on the clock. One would assume, (perhaps incorrectly), that it is on it's original bias plate?
If so, why would I benifit from an upgraded item?
Do you have any links to the firms that sell them?
How are they upgraded?
Are they thicker?
Do they require any other modifications to fit?


Cheers.
 
here is a link to a manuf of modified plates.

I accept your thinking - but I have heard of multiple bias plate failures - I work on the principle that if I can fit a better part (for not much more) than it saves doing the job again. But I take your point about another 173K miles :eek:. Give them a ring and see what you think.
 
i once drove from the uk to czech republic and back again in a tdi rangie classic with a floppy gear leaver it wouldn't sit between 3rd n 4th as normal it could be anywhere which was interesting.
 
jai_landrover said:
i thought R380 boxes should be filled with MTF94 or 95 similar to difflocks oil? Anyone know for sure? Jai
Click to expand...

Hi Jai, LR used to reccomend Dexron II for the gearbox but now reccomend MTF94.

You can Use EVO1 which is very good, looks like an auto trans oil, but is rather dear. As an example I can buy Dexron II for about 4.5€ per litre whereas EVO1 is about 17€ per litre
 
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