paul1966 Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 I have an 07 reg cmax that over the past 6 months the gears have gradually got notchy and stiff when changing gear, i first thought it was the clutch dragging but it is also stiff with the engine off and foot off the clutch pedal, because of this i am starting to think its the linkage between the gearstick and box, on the cmax it uses cables, it does seem to free up a bit after driving a while but is still notchy. Could it still be the clutch? its not slipping but has done 105k so getting on a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumfelter Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 I had this on a fiat Punto, if it's ball and socket joints on the gearbox end pop the joints off and try the gearstick, if it's still stiff it's the cables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pistol p Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 It may be the selector shaft bushing on the selector arm. Its very common on fiestas. Easy fix if you’re mechanical minded. It requires the selector to be removed and drilled out a touch. The metal bushing expands causing it to bind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 Peculiar question, did it get worse the colder it gets, seasonal wise? I have a similar problem on one of my cars, tight gears when winter comes round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul1966 Posted March 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 1 minute ago, Rewulf said: Peculiar question, did it get worse the colder it gets, seasonal wise? I have a similar problem on one of my cars, tight gears when winter comes round. it does seem worse when cold and does seem to improve after driving a while and the engine gets warm, i did think it could be the gearbox oil so changed that which made zero difference. i now doubting its the clutch, as its the same whether the clutch is down or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 1 hour ago, paul1966 said: it does seem worse when cold and does seem to improve after driving a while and the engine gets warm, i did think it could be the gearbox oil so changed that which made zero difference. i now doubting its the clutch, as its the same whether the clutch is down or not. Same here, I've had the car (a laguna) for 8 years, and it's fine in the warmer months, but tightens up as we move towards winter, tried putting fresh oil in, even tried a different grade, molyslip ect. I just live with it now, I suppose it could be the clutch not clearing properly when it's cold, but it's £500 worth of parts, that might make no difference on mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 I would be looking at sticky cables. Can you easily get to a bare cable to spray lubricant down it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted March 9, 2018 Report Share Posted March 9, 2018 hello, i would go with gordons suggestion first, WD 40, i remember when some cables had grease nipples Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul1966 Posted March 10, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2018 well i sprayed the cables both ends the best i could with silicone and it has made minimal difference, the gears are still notchy, i think i will take it to a second garage for a second opinion before i shell out £750 for a new clutch and DMF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strimmer_13 Posted March 11, 2018 Report Share Posted March 11, 2018 I get it on my 05 mondeo too in the cold. Real bitch to get into 1st and 2nd in the cold but I'm guessing it's not clutch and dmf as they were changed 15-20k ago. Fine once warm and stays same good till I go home again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul1966 Posted March 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 when i first got the car over a year ago all the gears were fine, then gradually 1st gear became notchy and then eventually all of them over a period of about 6 months. Its going to a garage tomorrow so hopefully will know more then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltings Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 change the gear oil and refill with ATF fluid has worked for me with the same problem after a cold night Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rewulf Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 Try this thread, the solution is at the end, but googling Cmax notchy gears brings up many complaints of cold Ford gearboxes. https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=9358 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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