Jerky gears, 1st to 2nd?

varial · 14 Mar 2009 at 14:21

Hey guys,

Got a berlingo van and its been fine for the past few months but now its started to 'jerk' when going from 1st to 2nd unless i do it with very low revs/speed. Is this a sign of the clutch going or some thing else?

Sam

4T5 · 14 Mar 2009 at 14:22

May be a weak engine mounting but it's hard to say given your limited description.

loltim · 14 Mar 2009 at 14:22

Sounds like clutch to me.

varial · 14 Mar 2009 at 14:26

malc30 said:
May be a weak engine mounting but it's hard to say given your limited description.

Im not sure how to describe it any further, also i dont know much about cars!

If i change it from 1st to 2nd at low speed (basicly not using any power in first) it goes smoothly but if i used some power in first then it jerks the whole van in a forwards then backwords motion.

Also, if i change it to 2nd smoothly but then put my foot down in 2nd it does jerk slightly as well.

loltim · 14 Mar 2009 at 14:32

Check for any cracks or signs of wear on the engine mounts. They're only rubber afterall.

4T5 · 14 Mar 2009 at 14:37

Does sound like a weak engine mount to me, When torqued up FWD stress the mountings, When a mounting weakens the excessive movement of the engine causes the dodgey clutch/jerkyness etc
You can have a look by opening your bonnett, Stick the motors handbrake on firmly & then bite the clutch up, look through the small gap left at the bottom of the bonnett to see how much the engine moves backwards & forwards as you torque it up.
Obviously a Lot easier to get somebody else to bite the clutch up but stand at the side of the vehicle when you are looking Not in front of it. If the engine slaps forwards & backwards as you bite the clutch on & off a mounting is shot.

hope that makes sense.