1992 transaxle or linkage problems

[psd]

We were driving down the freeway and the gears stopped shifting. It will not even go into gear. Stuck in nuetral. 1st gear has been jerking when shifting from a stop and the driver of the car has a bad habit of grinding the gears, which I have never had a problem with. If I pop the hood I can see the linkage and it is making noise when attempting to shift and doesn't seems to be moving around. I think the linkage may be worn or bent. Is this likely or should I check the transaxle? Also is it possible to fix myself or does it require a mechanic? Ballpark on repair would be helpful if anyone has any idea.

Thanks

[richtazz]

you may have broken syncronizer in the trans, which will require special tools to change. Your best bet is to take the trans to a shop and find out how much damage "gear grinder" did.

[psd]

Is it possible that the clutch is bad? When I push in the clutch A hear noise under the hood. The gears grind when you shift them.

[richtazz]

it is possible, can the car be driven smoothly at all, like when being babied??? And has it been a progressive problem, slowly getting worse, or did it go all of a sudden??? if it was a progressive thing, then it is possible that it is a clutch. if it went all of a sudden, and unless the clutch blew up (which you'd of heard let go) then it's probably an internal problem.

[wilfie27]

Are you sure the shift cables are connected to the linkage? If not they have rubber bushings that wear out and fall off of the linkage. The bushings cannot be replaced and you will have to buy the whole cable (dealer). I think around $70.00 apiece.
Hardest part of installing is running them through the firewall, a second person will be helpful.

[richtazz]

If the cables were disconnected, you'd get no engagement at all. The grinding noise indicates that the shift forks are moving, just not engaging the gears