[Wessel]

Hi everyone,

I am currently on holiday in Bredasdorp and had a breakdown. I own a 2001 LWB Pajero 3.2 Did with 213000km on the clock. Had the car approx. 6000 trouble free km's.

I have no technical knowledge or experience.

Went fishing last night at Arniston, had to drive a bit of sand - everything 100%. Only noticed some ? shuddering (almost if something is slipping or not releasing properly / as if trying to pull away in too high gear) when releasing clutch back in town, only when pulling away from a stop. This has also happened sporadically over the last few months, but has been quiet

This morning gears when I started the vehicle it refused to engage gears. Gears does engage when I switch the vehicle off. If I depress clutch or pump it nothing happens, although clutch feels normal.

Apart from the occasional "shudder" as described above the clutch and gears has always been very smooth and easy to engage. Even when I drove it last night.

Only other thing I don't usually do - cleaned the car and chassis (afternoon, before using it problem free last night) with a high pressure water cleaner. Also sprayed a bit around the gearbox.

There is not a Mitsubishi dealer in or around town. Spoke to the Hyundai dealer, but they're on sceleton staff and refuse to work on a Pajero. Said I can try the Ford dealership on Monday. We need the vehicle reasonably urgently and Christmas / New years public holiday's are coming up around the corner. Need to be back in Cape Town 2 Jan. 2010

Any advice ? Hyundai guy said it might just be a hydraulic problem or if not could be pressure plate etc. ? Is there any possibility of these symptoms having to do with the fly wheel (shold I prepare myslef for a hefty bill ?). Is there any thing I can try - remember I have no skill or experience.

Regards,
Wessel

[4ePikanini]

Sorry to bear bad news but it sounds like the familiar dual mass flywheel failure. Its not a cheap nor quick fix uf it is indeed the case.

You can however fit the 2.8 4m40 solid flywheel and clutch assembly at half the price.

You may get away with double clutching to get home but its not recommended. You will have to get a professional to have a look for a final diagnosis.

[Wessel]

Thanks for the reply, not what I was hoping for.. but if that's the reality I don't have much of a choice.

If I do manage to get the car back to Cape Town - what do you guys suggest I do. Want to fix it properly,first time. Take it to Mitsu Tygerberg (closest) or Gearbox specialist eg. Triangle transmissions (close to where I live) ?

Again, is towing the vehicle my best option then ?

[4ePikanini]

the dealers will be very expensive. Maybe PM SimonB to check for a good reputable workshop that can FIRSTLY make an honest accurate diagnosis.

[CATS]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. It sounds a bit fishy that it will work up to the house and then just nothing the next morning?

Hopefully it is not as serious. Maybe let it dry out a bit and let it run 15 minutes or so on idle before trying again. - Just hoping above all hope for your part here.

I am coming down to George just before Christmas from Gauteng, so shout if I can maybe bring some parts down to you from up here. PM me if needed

CATS

[Wessel]

Wow, thanks for the offer Cats. Feels good to know there are people willing to help when you're in trouble.

At least ist Monday today, still stuck without car, but at least I can speak to dealerships etc. Still stranded in Bredasdorp - Fortunately with family and safe and not somewhere off road.

Had car to mechanic in town this morning, looks like clutch (and or flywheel failure). Bottom line is, I'm having the car towed to either Mitsubishi Tygerberg or Rola Strand. Still waiting for estimate quote from Rola.

Labour sounds like +- R5000, Clutch +- R4000 and dual mass flywheel +-R12000. I'll have to rely on the technician, but on 213000 km should I just bite the bullet and have the flywheel replaced while we're at it ?

What else should I have replaced while the box is out and open ?

Currently of a bitter taste in the mouth regarding reliability - although I know it can happen to any other vehicle. Have always mainly heard good things about the Did.

I have 3 children, 4 years and younger and having a breakdown is something I have to avoid at all cost. From what I could gather on the forum, this is one of the "weakpoints" of the Pajero. Honestly anything else I should be aware of and have replaced as a precaution on this vehicle at this mileage ? I must say, always felt confident taking vehicle off road, driving ling road with famliy etc. but now need a bit of reasuurance / reality.

[tonton]

...Bottom line is, I'm having the car towed to either Mitsubishi Tygerberg or Rola Strand. Still waiting for estimate quote from Rola.

Labour sounds like +- R5000, Clutch +- R4000 and dual mass flywheel +-R12000. I'll have to rely on the technician, but on 213000 km should I just bite the bullet and have the flywheel replaced while we're at it ?

Wessel, you may want to see if someone can do the 4M40 unit for you, as suggested by 4ePikanini here. You may save a significant sum doing that.

What else should I have replaced while the box is out and open ?

Unless you know these were done recently, I suggest you do the lubricants for the g/box, diff's and transfer box the same time.

Currently of a bitter taste in the mouth regarding reliability - although I know it can happen to any other vehicle. Have always mainly heard good things about the Did.

Fair comment - no-one wants to get stuck, but clutches usually gives warning signals of going, often in the form of a shudder, and a smell like burning rubber. You had the shudder:

...Only noticed some ? shuddering (almost if something is slipping or not releasing properly / as if trying to pull away in too high gear) when releasing clutch back in town, only when pulling away from a stop. This has also happened sporadically over the last few months, but has been quiet...

...Apart from the occasional "shudder" as described above the clutch and gears has always been very smooth and easy to engage. Even when I drove it last night...

... but not the smell! Pity you did not realise the symptom then, but fortunately all are safe.

I remember driving a little Alfa with no clutch from Som/West to Bellville, all the way in second gear - it was hair-raising due to robots.

Hope to meet at the GTG at Atlantis on 13 February!

Anton

[Gerrit Loubser]

Hi Wessel,

I am very sorry to hear about your problems. First get a proper diagnosis before panicking about the cost. It could still be something relatively minor on the hydraulic side of the system. If you have to change the flywheel, the single mass flywheel from the 2.8 Tdi motor is an option as Marius (4ePiknanini) said. His dad, Gerhard (4ePajero) is running this set-up and should be able to advise regarding the particulars.

Don't worry too much about the Gen 3 Pajero's reliability. It is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road as far as I know. Our 2003 DiD LWB A/T has given us fantastic service and the odometer is now on around 211000 km. It has been supremely reliable up to now. Have a look at these threads to convince yourself of the Gen 3 Pajero's durability:
https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... f=55&t=407
https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... =55&t=1590

The clutch system is essentially a wear item and its durability performance will be heavily influenced by the way that it is treated. It sounds like you bought your Paj second hand 6000 km ago with around 207000 km on the clock. Do you know what it was treated like before you owned it?

If you end up fitting a new clutch/flywheel, have a good look at the rear crankshaft oil seal and consider replacing it. It is a lot of work to get to that seal later.

[Wessel]

Thanks Gerrit and thanks for the links,

Will definately ask them to have a look at that seal, hydraulics etc.

I've organised a breakdown truck to take me to Mitsu Tygerberg tonight. Workshop is willing to fit me in although they're fully booked. Hopefully they can sort it out tomorrow.

I can't say how the clutch was treated, but the vehicle had FSH with agents and what my eyes can see (exterior, interior engine bay etc) is in excellent condition for a vehicle with 200 k km on the clock. When I bought the vehicle, I took the risk and hoped the owner drove it like he treated the rest of it.

[CATS]

Thanks Gerrit and thanks for the links,

Will definately ask them to have a look at that seal, hydraulics etc.

I've organised a breakdown truck to take me to Mitsu Tygerberg tonight. Workshop is willing to fit me in although they're fully booked. Hopefully they can sort it out tomorrow.

I can't say how the clutch was treated, but the vehicle had FSH with agents and what my eyes can see (exterior, interior engine bay etc) is in excellent condition for a vehicle with 200 k km on the clock. When I bought the vehicle, I took the risk and hoped the owner drove it like he treated the rest of it.

At just over 200 000km on the manual transmision I would also have the retaining plate checked and replaced. Mine started slipping out of first gear every now and again at around 210000km and from the gearbox guy they seem to be prone to start this around this mileage. See this post : https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... ning#p6421

Good luck with the prognosis and please keep us up to date.

Don't worry about longevity, once you sort out this clutch issue the car will give you only pleasure. The clutch is as Gerrit said unfortunately a wear and tear item, just unfortunate that it did not give you more warning before letting go!

CATS