Oh Boy, Was I Scared About This!!!

[Darkmann]

It snowed here where I am on Christmas and after. Got stuck in the snow on my way to store - my daughter (who has driven the NBC (5-spd) before heading to college) was in car with me. So I asked to put in reverse while I try to push car from front. I watched in horror as she shifted into reverse without clutching - and it went in!!!!! Boy was I worried about whatever damage had happened. So I asked her what she did - said she forgot that the clutch was needed and she heard a "grinding" noise as the gear was engaging!!!!!!!!! I'm thinking $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for repairs. That was just after X-Mas. So far, vehicle is performing like nothing ever happened. I do plan to do a complete tranny oil change though.

Any comments on what I may have missed in this scenario?

[Timber]

I'm sure it is fine, the RPMs must have been low enough to synchronize or it would have never engaged. You can shift all day with no clutch as long as engine RPMs and wheel speed are in synch, ask any trucker.

[Darkmann]

Originally Posted by Timber

I'm sure it is fine, the RPMs must have been low enough to synchronize or it would have never engaged. You can shift all day with no clutch as long as engine RPMs and wheel speed are in synch, ask any trucker.

Thanks. This was at standstill - wheelspeed zero. RPM was basically a tad over idle.

[Tico4Life]

A little gear grinding is ok, you can't go changing the oil every time it happens. I am just amazed at the fact the gear engaged with no clutch whatsoever. Going forward is easy to shift once the car is rolling in gear, its all about rpms and sync but from a stand still into reverse no less... my hat is off to her!

[scarabY2k]

Timber hit the nail on the head She basically speed shifted, with a little "grind em till you find em" mixed in. All is good- happy mototring

[Smileybug]

As long as its still shifting good now, I'd not worry about it. All new 5-speed drivers have a few gear grinding moments...I know I sure had my share. It happens. But once certainly won't destroy the trans.

[Darkmann]

Thanks again everyone. Car is shifting and running fine. I really have learnt a lot from this post.