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clutch or transmission?

clutch or transmission?


   
  #1  
Old 08-03-07, 03:29 AM
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clutch or transmission?
My 1995 Ford Explorer (4wd), 137k miles, has started "bucking" in all gears. Moreso at lower (<40) miles per hour but occasionally at higher speeds. Definitely happens in all gears to some degree.

I had the clutch replaced at about 75k.

Is there any easy way to know whether this is the clutch needing a replacement or the transmission?

Thanks

Tom
 
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  #2  
Old 08-03-07, 05:22 AM
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You're sure it's not an engine problem like an intemittent misfire?

When you get the "buck" what does the tachometer do? RPM's jump up?
 
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Old 08-03-07, 05:51 AM
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I don't think the tachometer moves at all, but I'll keep my eye on it.

Maybe bucking is too strong a word, but definitely feels like something is slipping. Will report more later today.

Thanks

Tom
 
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Old 08-03-07, 06:03 AM
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If it was the clutch slipping, higher speeds would tend to aggravate it because of the extra load being imposed due to wind resistance. Also the rpm's should go up at least enough to be noticeable when it is slipping.
 
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Old 08-03-07, 09:34 AM
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If you find your engine is running OK as TG is talking about, you may have an input shaft/pocket bearing problem. That would allow the gears on the output shaft to jump and cause a type of jerking. That particular bearing can give out due to wear, but towing the vehicle for a number of miles without pulling the drive shaft is really hard on it.

The other possibility may be a differential problem. If you were getting a pinion to ring gear jump it would resemble what you're describing.

Hope this helps,

Bob
 
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  #6  
Old 08-03-07, 06:56 PM
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Tach is steady
The tachometer is steady throughout any 'jerkiness' of the engine. Mostly this jerkiness happens when I ask for acceleration.

Now I just need to find a mechanic I trust, since I think this is beyond any of my DIY abilities...

Tom
 
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Old 08-04-07, 10:31 AM
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I'm thinking Bob is on the right track with it being tranny or differential problem, neither of which is very DIY for the average backyard mechanic.
 
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Old 08-04-07, 11:56 AM
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Manual 3 or 4 speed? Test by trying to start out in your top gear and give it good gas and see if it lugs, like it should, or if the tach climbs as if it is slipping.
 
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Old 08-06-07, 06:13 AM
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It's a manual, 5 spd transmission. Tried getting going in 5th gear from a dead stop - it labored unhappily but did start moving - there was no slipping or tachometer climbing.

Now the hard part - without seeing this in person, anybody want to hazard a guess at the range of $$ for repair? Given that this car is now 12 years old and the gas mileage is fair, it may be time for a replacement if this repair would be very large $$.

I know this is very hard to do, just curious what people think.

Thanks

Tom
 
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  #10  
Old 08-06-07, 08:57 AM
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That's a tall order, Tom, but if it turns out to be tranny or differential I suspect a bill not under $1000.

Should cost fairly little to get it checked; it is possible you could get lucky and it's something simple.

None of us has asked yet, but the vehicle is well-maintained as far as tune-up work, i.e. plugs, wires, cap, rotor, FUEL FILTER, etc?
 
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  #11  
Old 08-06-07, 06:04 PM
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Thanks - I know it's just a wild guess, and I appreciate you putting something out there.

A perfectly good question - it is well maintained, I make sure of that (it's about all I can do!)

I will get it looked at and let you know what people say...

Tom
 
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