What Causes the Baojun 730 to Pop Out of 2nd Gear?
3 Answers
Gear popping refers to the transmission automatically shifting from a certain gear back to neutral while the car is in motion. Mechanical Misalignment: The gear linkage mechanism is misaligned and not fully engaged, which can be resolved through adjustment. Mechanical Wear: Wear in the reverse gear locking mechanism inside the transmission prevents effective locking of the reverse gear. Thrust-Induced Gear Popping: Long-term wear on the meshing teeth of the inertia lock ring or the synchronizer cone ring and the inner meshing teeth of the sliding sleeve forms a tapered shape, generating axial thrust on the meshing teeth. When this thrust exceeds the locking force of the gear spring, gear popping occurs. Gear Spring Lock: The locking force of the gear spring weakens or breaks, or the self-locking steel ball dislodges or gets damaged. Severe Wear: The gear shift fork and gear shift sleeve are severely worn, or the shift fork is deformed. Improper Adjustment: Improper adjustment of the gear shift mechanism in the operating lever results in incomplete gear engagement, leaving the meshing teeth in a semi-engaged state. Solutions: Adjust the force properly or replace the synchronizer.
Speaking of the 2nd gear popping out in the Baojun 730, I've encountered similar issues several times in my over ten years of driving. The most common cause is a loose shifting mechanism, such as wear in the shift lever linkage or improper fixation, which makes the gear unstable and prone to popping out. Another issue could be the aging of the internal synchronizer in the transmission. This component is responsible for smooth gear engagement, and over time, wear can make it difficult to hold the 2nd gear securely. I must remind you that gear popping out while driving is dangerous; sudden loss of power at intersections or on slopes could lead to accidents. The inspection method is simple: after parking, shake the shift lever by hand to check for looseness and listen for any unusual noises from the transmission. Don’t overlook routine maintenance—regularly changing the transmission oil can prevent these issues. If the problem persists, take it to a repair shop and let a professional use specialized tools to diagnose whether the internal gear clearance is too large, to avoid turning a minor issue into a major one.
My own Baojun 730 has also experienced second gear popping out. Friends with strong hands-on skills can start by checking external components. First, inspect the gearshift mechanism—if the linkage ball joint is loose, it can cause gear wobbling, and tightening the screws yourself might solve it. Insufficient transmission fluid is critical; low oil levels lead to gear friction overheating and wear. My method for checking oil level is using a dipstick to probe the oil filler hole—clear fluid is normal, while cloudy means it needs replacement. Clutch issues shouldn’t be ignored either; incomplete clutch engagement can cause unstable gear shifting. For a hands-on test, gently press the throttle in second gear to feel if the clutch slips. But note: DIY carries risks—issues like chain looseness or synchronizer failure are best handled at a repair shop, where diagnostic scanners provide faster, more accurate results. For prevention, avoid frequent hard acceleration and high RPMs in second gear—gentle driving protects the transmission and extends its lifespan.
