Help - I have no gears!

[Glasgowhopeful]

Can anyone save me a sleepless night and (more) tears. Drove our moggie the Noo-Noo in a horrendous suburban grid lock yesterday (have been meaning to introduce and put on photo etc but with infant and 2 full time jobs its not happened!) At one point I inadvertantly went into 4th when meant 2nd and pulled away from a standstill. Cue horrid noises and overheating and burning smells (only a minor would actually do this at all lesser cars would just refuse) , got home in one piece and set off this morning but suddenly (just after speedbump and a stall) no gears at all! Started fine, clutch feels fine, gearstick is moving about as it usually does (always a bit sticky in 1st and 2nd) but the car just rolls. Any ideas what I've gone and done to my Noo-Noo? The radiator was dry on inspection (was hoping to pick up antifreeze on way to work and fill it up) but that wouldn't cause the gear business would it? I am sooooo broke that I fear anything along new gear box lines will be the end of my minoring! Best and worst case scenarios and approx cost (garage not DIY) appreciated. I have admitted this freely before : I know nothing! (Changed a battery myself and was pleased)
Thanks in advance
TOP TIP :NEVER EVER drive in Glasgow's West End on the first day of Freshers Week!

[Alec]

Hello GH,

my guess would be a half shaft? Sorry I have no idea of the cost although it is not a huge job.

Alec

[simmitc]

Half shaft is the obvious answer. To check, ensure that handbrake is on; start engine and run at tickover, engage gear using clutch as normal and look under the car. If the propshaft is turning then it's definitely a half-shaft in the rear axle. DO NOT continue to run the car or move it around on its wheels as this will generate swarf in the back axle (where the braken shaft rubs against other bits) and place strain on the wheel bearing.

Second hand shaft probably £5 - £10; new ones are available. If second hand then make sure that you get the correct side as they become "handed" in use. Get new gaskets and O rings for the hubs and a gasket for the diff at the same time.

To replace, jack up car, place on stands. Remove both rear wheels and brake drums plus half shaft retaining screw. Pull out both half shafts. Disconnect prop shaft. Lift brake pipe clear of the diff unit, and remove the diff itself - this is so that you can retieve the braken end of the shaft. "re-assembly is the reverse of the above" plus new gaskets and O rings all round.

[bigginger]

TOP TIP :NEVER EVER drive in Glasgow's West End on the first day of Freshers Week!

Top tip 2 (having lived there for several years) NEVER EVER drive in Glasgow's West End

[aupickup]

sopunds like half shaft
should only take about 2 hours max at a garage

so should not cost much
and i am sure someone on here has some spare half shafts they could sell you

[bmcecosse]

I too was trapped in that dreadful mess yesterday afternoon - and have sworn to never return in daylight !! Don't think it was Freshers problem - just a truck stuck on the Kingston Bridge - which led to a million people taking to all the other routes!!! So - it could be the clutch plate has broken/worn out after the 'burning' yesterday - or as others have pointed out a half-shaft may have snapped. Quick clue - when you try to drive it - does the speedo register ? If yes - then likely half shaft. If no, then probably the clutch.

[Glasgowhopeful]

Thanks for all the advice. I haven't got back in the car since your tip bmecosse as I now have very sick hubby (tonsils ) and baby on hands and Noo Noo "resting" is in the next street but I'm going to phone my sympathetic garage guy tomorrow and I'll check the speedo before I do! At least I know it's not necessarily major (Although I'm prepared for the worst too,). Hopefully next time I post on here It'll be happy news and I'll finally get a pic of NooNoo on too!

[bmcecosse]

Just a few weeks ago badfelafel (also in Glasgow) posted news of a Minor in a scrappy - which would be source of replacement half shaft or even complete axle at a 'fair' price. It is likely to be a half shaft - since you say it happened right after speed bump. Surprising number of Minors in Glasgow - I was searching for an address in/around Langside Ave last friday - and passed two within 100 yds of each other - and a v nice Rover 2000.

[JustinMinor1000]

If you need a halfshaft I happen to have one sitting on the bench which I will happilly mail to you .

Justin