Expert: A. Rowe - 12/10/2010

Question
A friend of mine has a 1990 nissan 4x4 4cyl with manual transmission. He said when he puts it in reverse it will go in, and work for a few seconds on flat ground. Then it pops out and pushes the stick forward a few seconds later when he puts any pressure on it. He said it grinds if he tries to put it back in. Can he get to anything by removing the rubber boot arround the stick,or does he for sure have to take the hole transmision off. Its cold and snowing where he lives.He does'nt have the money to take it to the shop,but he needs the truck for work. Any ideas to try? any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi, Justin!

From what I recall, the 'stick' is mounted directly into the transmission and there is no linkage to adjust. I'd first make sure that he doesn't have a broken motor mount causing the stick to knock itself out of gear when he engages/disengages the clutch. May be possible that his clutch hydraulic system needs bleed or the clutch replaced. Also possible that there is an internal transmission problem such as a worn reverse gear, synchronizer, or shift fork.


-----Aaron