Why do I grind gears every time I shift into reverse? I'm pressing the clutch!?

Question

For some reason is grinds when I try to shift into reverse, all the other gears work very well! Also it doesn't always happen, just sometimes it won't work and I have to turn the car off and shift then turn it back on again!

Can you guys give me an estimate of what it would cost to fix? It's a 1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport.

Answer 1

shift to a forward gear, then go to reverse.

Answer 2

the gears are still turning inside the tranny when your trying to put it in reverse, make sure the clutch is releasing all the way.

Answer 3

Shift into first then into reverse.  That will help synchronize the reverse.  It is something that a mechanic can't fix, you'll just have to deal with it.

Answer 4

The reverse gear does not have syncromesh on it.  So you need to use a little more care with it.

You need to come to a complete stop, and make sure that you have the clutch all the way to the floor (is the clutch cable properly adjusted?  if you have a hydraulic clutch, is the master or slave cylinder leaking - could be internal leak too).  After you are stopped, and the clutch all the way to the floor, move the gear shift into 1st and 2nd before going into reverse.  This will ensure everything in the gearbox has stopped rotating, before you try to engage reverse.

Answer 5

The Syncronizer is out in reverse. possibly they didn't use one for that model. Make sure the clutch is pressed in all the way.

Answer 6

It sounds like your pressure plate and/or clutch disc is wore pretty bad. I have no idea what it would cost to fix. Alot of shops charge different rates.