[Wendy]

I have recently used 4wd and now whenever I go to reverse (out of 4wd) zook will not move, just makes a clunking sound and feels like it is stuck. I have to put it into 1st gear, move forward a bit and then I can reverse with no trouble. Has anyone got any ideas? I think this has happened before maybe but can't remember what I did to fix it. Thanks

[303zuke]

What vehicle?

[Wendy]

1991 Suzuki Sierra

[christover1]

Could just be axle wind up. When using 4wd on hard surfaces,
things get twisted up inside.
Moving forward probably unwinds things.
Try not to use 4wd on roads and other high grip sufaces

[Wendy]

Thanks. Can I do anything to fix it or will it just settle after a bit?

[christover1]

Wendy wrote:

Thanks. Can I do anything to fix it or will it just settle after a bit?

If that is your problem,
you just have to live with it.
Could be other problems outside of my knowledge

[Wendy]

Ok. It isn't really a bit problem if it's here to stay.Thanks anyway

[christover1]

Good luck, and welcome to Auszookers

[christover1]

I searched around, there is a bush in the gear stick that can cause problems, so thats worth a look at

[Joshyboy26]

Make sure your hubs are out cos this will cause it to wind up like christover1 said

[Wendy]

The left lock hub is hard to engage and undo and always has been since I've had it, but the right one is really easy. Maybe it isn't unlocking properly.
I will also check the bush in the gear stick as well. I have replaced the bush before so maybe it is going again. That time I couldn't get it into any gear so will look at that. Thanks for your suggestions.

[2stroker]

Hi Wendy welcome to the forum, the advice given so far is incorrect, they may not have read your post properly.

christover1 and Joshyboy26 please re read what Wendy has said:

i.e. she recently used her vehicle in 4x4, it is no longer in 4x4, the problem she is difficulty selecting reverse in 2wd.

Wendy it has nothing to do with your transfer case, what christover1 is incorrectly diagniosing is a situation that occurs when you are in 4x4 with hubs locked on a surface that does not allow the tyres to slip, this causes transmission "wind up" and you are unable to get the car out of 4x4, when this happens you reverse with your steering straight while holding pressure against the transfer lever till it comes out of 4x4.

Joshyboy26 is also wrong, you will not get "wind up" by having your hubs in unless you are in 4x4 as welland you are on a hard surface and your tyres cannot slip.

The correct diagnosis is that play or wear in your gear stick is causing the problem, the gear stick is not fully disengaging a forward gear before attempting to select reverse. It willbe cuased by a combination of two things, wear in the socket and worn or broken locating bolt, both are cheap and easy to fix.

The free wheeling hubs will just need to be serviced, if you are in the North of Brisbane Pm me and I can put you in contact with someone who will be able to sort out the gearbox and the free wheeling hub issues.

[Wendy]

Thanks for all your help guys. I ended up taking it to a suzi shop yesterday and was told that because I had been going through heaps of water of late (have to cross a creek every time it rains too much-probably forgot to mention that!) that the brake pads were sticking and when I had to take the handbrake off it would make that clunking noise as it unstuck when I drove forwards. Anyway the pads have obviously dried out now and it hasn't done it at all today so hopefully the problem is fixed without too much drama. You live and learn. Thanks again