Please help me diagnose a clutch/gearbox problem?
 

2nd gear in my 2002 Boxster S has recently statred to become problematic. Sometimes when I change gear it imediately slips out as soon as I lift the clutch. I find if I want to put it in second I have to release the clutch slowly whilst accelerating slightly. If I try to change in a normal manner it grinds. A couple of times it has actually slipped out of second whilst I have been driving also. It seems more of a problem when changing down than up. I have no issues with any other gear whatsoever, just second gear.

Does anybody know from the symptoms what is the most likely cause of such a problem? I suspect a new clutch but am dreading the possibility there could be a serious problem with my gearbox. I can barely afford the car as it is.

Sounds like the synchro has gone on that gear rather than a clutch problem. Either way it is worth getting it checked out.

If you have a warranty go to your local OPC, if not try one of the local specialists. JZ Mactech are worth talking to, my friend "down south" :) gets great service from them. I have no experience of them.

http://www.jzmachtech.com/

Thanks for the advice. I will get in touch with the people you mention. It sounds expensive, I dont suppose you have any idea how much it is likely to cost me to get a new synchro mesh for his gear? I assume they would need to take out the engine and gearbox etc etc, souds like its going to cost me a packet .... :eek:

I have no idea on price sorry. Its about 6 hours labour to remove and replace the box so if it is this problem and not something trivial like shifter alignment then you could be in for a bit of wallet pain, sorry.

Get it checked out first, no point worring until you know exactly what is wrong. Good luck

Ok, thanks again for taking the time to reply. Its certainly time for a specialist to check it out. Fingers crossed its not a gearbox rebuild, though unfortunately I am starting to fear the worst now ...