I have a 5 speed and when i shift it into reverse it sounds like the gears are grinding. It only last about a second, and when it goes into reverse it jerks. It doesn't do this when shifting into any other gear. Could the clutch need adjusting, and if so, how do you do it?

 

Its normal. Reverse gear is not synchronized like the other 4 gears are. The synchronizers line up the gears as you shift so they mesh together smoothly. Reverse gear lacks this. The solution is to shift to another gear first, then go to reverse. Push in the clutch, put the trans in first or fifth (your preference), then put it into reverse and release the clutch to back up.


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1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.23 @ 107.62 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

NCZ28, Kevin is right. I have a 83 TA with a T5 and had the same problems. A REALLY nasty grind when I put it in reverse, it also was somewhat difficult to get in to reverse. Someone recommended checking the fluid which I did, it was three quarts low! After the fluid refill the noise was greatly reduced and it shifts find. Also, I now shift into 5th then Reverse, no noise at all.

TA76

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm glad to hear I don't have a problem. I had just changed the fluid, and it still made the noise, that is why I thought it could be serious. After reading this I tried shifting to another gear, and it's better.