The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hey all
I need some advice! Every time i try to put my subi into reverse, it either makes the horrible grind noise or it just doesn't engage and i have to try a good 4 or 5 times before it actually goes in. The clutch is flat on the floor and it still does this
Is my reverse gear stuffed or could it be the clutch?
thanks,
Jimmy

try putting it in to second gear then reverse

I'll try that tomorrow but i don't quite understand how that will help?

I have the same problem but it's not every time. I'm not sure whether replacing the bushings in my shifter has reduced the problem - certainly it can still be troublesome to locate the gear - it won't go in.

I have the exact same problem in my liberty,
fourth and the reverse works every time for me

Glen

Yeah Jimmy.. I'm going to say clutch. Which doesn't mean it's shot, it could be it just need a little adjustment. By putting the car into another gear before reverse, causes the gearsets to stop turning or sometimes just give the gears a little turn just to help align the reverse gear. The main reason it happens to reverse more so than other gears is because the gears are straight cut and the tops of each gear touch and don't move like the would if they were helical cut.

What year and model Subi do you have?

Just what RSR555 said above, adjust the clutch tighter and see if it does make a difference. Why go in 1st/2nd - because it slows down the spinning to prevent grinding.
Cheers
AP