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Ax15 problems


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So I bought a parts cherokee with an ax15 in it that will eventually go into my truck with a little clutch work and a rebuild. But my mom is teaching me manual in it and there are 2 issues. at a stop it doesnt want to go into first or any gear for that matterunless we turn it off put it in gear and then start it with the clutch in. Driving normally around it works just fine so that leads me to believe it's an idle issue. And there is a crunch into reverse  that is pretty gnarly. it works though

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If it was driven that way before you bought it, it will likely need new synchros. A clutch going out will typically slip but won’t keep you from getting into gear. Getting into gear requires that the clutch fully engages. So checking the master and slave cylinder would be were i would start as suggested. They are directly responsible for getting the clutch engaged and disengaged. What year is the Jeep and does it only happen in 1-2?

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Not looking to hijack this thread but I want to jump in with similar issues/problems.

 

 I installed an AX15 with an external slave cylinder.  I have the same issue when shifting into 1st at a stop.  When I first start driving, it's "notchy" and stiff to shift into 1st and 2nd.  It is worse when I have drive a few miles. I have to shift to 4th, then 2nd (hard), and then to 1st (really hard).  I still have really push it to get it into 1st.  There is no grinding or other noises coming from the trans.  If the truck is slowly moving, downshifts to 2nd are fine.  

 

I thought it might be the hydraulic system so I replace the master/slave with a pre-bled system.  There was no noticeable change.

 

Since there is no grinding into gear, I am thinking the syncros are fine.  (I may be wrong.)

 

Can there be an issue with the detent springs and balls?  If these are worn out, could they prevent the shift rails from lining up properly?  (Just throwing "stuff" at the wall.)

 

Problems with the pressure plate and disk?

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1 hour ago, 87MJTIM said:

Not looking to hijack this thread but I want to jump in with similar issues/problems.

 

 I installed an AX15 with an external slave cylinder.  I have the same issue when shifting into 1st at a stop.  When I first start driving, it's "notchy" and stiff to shift into 1st and 2nd.  It is worse when I have drive a few miles. I have to shift to 4th, then 2nd (hard), and then to 1st (really hard).  I still have really push it to get it into 1st.  There is no grinding or other noises coming from the trans.  If the truck is slowly moving, downshifts to 2nd are fine.  

 

I thought it might be the hydraulic system so I replace the master/slave with a pre-bled system.  There was no noticeable change.

 

Since there is no grinding into gear, I am thinking the syncros are fine.  (I may be wrong.)

 

Can there be an issue with the detent springs and balls?  If these are worn out, could they prevent the shift rails from lining up properly?  (Just throwing "stuff" at the wall.)

 

Problems with the pressure plate and disk?

https://core-shifters.com/collections/shifters-for-cherokee/products/core-hurst-shifter-1989-1999-jeep-cherokee-comanche-6-cyl-w-ax15-5-speed

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So new parts for this trans is new flywheel because it is going in my 87 and a new internal slave and new clutch and pressure plate and a rebuild kit. Any recommendations on brands I was just going to get whatever for the first things of rock auto. Suggestions for rebuild kit?

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7 hours ago, Jesse J said:

So new parts for this trans is new flywheel because it is going in my 87 and a new internal slave and new clutch and pressure plate and a rebuild kit. Any recommendations on brands I was just going to get whatever for the first things of rock auto. Suggestions for rebuild kit?

 

A YouTube video series (Ucandoit2) has a 3 part AX15 teardown and rebuild.  He purchased part #BK163JWS from (I believe) transpartswarehouse.com

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An AX15 complete rebuild is quite a task. I’d recommend just doing the clutch and perhaps swapping to the 94+ bell-housing so you can use the external slave setup. If you do, use a Luk rep-set or HD clutch and a Timken throw out bearing. Rock auto carries the clutch and timken throw out bearing

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3 hours ago, scaleless said:

I disagree - while there is no room for error, an AX15 rebuild is very straightforward and there are many instructional videos to supplement the factory service manual.

 

Jeep_AX15_service_manual_Transmission.pdf 3.27 MB · 0 downloads


Everything is relative, but one must have some good tools and skill to accomplish this. The OP is new to the scene, learning very quickly, but let’s make sure to not oversimplify this rebuild. I’d do gear changes all day long before doing an ax15 rebuild. I’ve done one once and it was not a fun day. Ended up just getting another used tranny since I botched a synchro install on 2nd gear and didn’t realize it until I had it installed back in my Jeep. The OP hopefully won’t have the same issue. That was a painfully expensive effort lol. I’d prefer to setup gears all day long. :holdwrench:

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19 hours ago, 87MJTIM said:

Not looking to hijack this thread but I want to jump in with similar issues/problems.

 

 I installed an AX15 with an external slave cylinder.  I have the same issue when shifting into 1st at a stop.  When I first start driving, it's "notchy" and stiff to shift into 1st and 2nd.  It is worse when I have drive a few miles. I have to shift to 4th, then 2nd (hard), and then to 1st (really hard).  I still have really push it to get it into 1st.  There is no grinding or other noises coming from the trans.  If the truck is slowly moving, downshifts to 2nd are fine.  

 

I thought it might be the hydraulic system so I replace the master/slave with a pre-bled system.  There was no noticeable change.

 

Since there is no grinding into gear, I am thinking the syncros are fine.  (I may be wrong.)

 

Can there be an issue with the detent springs and balls?  If these are worn out, could they prevent the shift rails from lining up properly?  (Just throwing "stuff" at the wall.)

 

Problems with the pressure plate and disk?

A weak slave cylinder will not let a stopped vehicle shift into 1st or will be very difficult to shift into if synchronized. I would suggest bleeding again (several times probably) and if that's not it, then pull the transmission and see if the clutch is aligned correctly (usually misalignment causes chatter, but can also cause hard shifting).

 

5 hours ago, scaleless said:

I disagree - while there is no room for error, an AX15 rebuild is very straightforward and there are many instructional videos to supplement the factory service manual.

 

Jeep_AX15_service_manual_Transmission.pdf 3.27 MB · 1 download

Agreed here. Buy a $125 Harbor Freight 12ton press and the rest really isn't too bad if you're careful and take your time. If you have any experience with motors, rear ends, or other mechanical assemblies, it's not bad at all. There's plenty of videos and other resources to follow.

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2 hours ago, Tex06 said:

I would suggest bleeding again (several times probably) and if that's not it,

I bled it again just barely and while I haven't taken it out yet with it running in the garage I can now get it in every gear and no crunchy reverse

 

 

Thank you guys for your opinions on DIY trans rebuilds and I think I am going at least try to rebuild taking my time with lots of pictures of what is looked like before to help.

 

I am going to see just how many new parts I need once I pull the trans. 

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2 hours ago, 87MJTIM said:

The pre-bled clutch system does not have a bleed screw.  It is not "easily" bleedable. 

But most do have a port where a bleed screw would go - just drill the hole and install a bleed screw.

 

34 minutes ago, Jesse J said:

what rebuild kit did you for yours?

 

I honestly can't recall.  A lot of the parts were from Crown so it may have been from them, but I'll need to reference my receipts later.

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