1992 CLX with double rod gear linkage.
Hi, Over the last few days we have noticed that the linkage is noisier than it used to be, generally when selecting gear stationary at traffic lights, sounds more metallic than usual. No deterioration in "feel" of gear linkage so far, just noisier.

I have looked underneath. Nothing looks untoward, but I don't know what it looked like before. I attach pictures of current.

Anything I should be worried about or investigate further?

Many thanks

looks good to me! that is the one that pops off on mine if i push mine into 1st too hard :/

you can pop them off and grease them.. or you can just swap them for new which is what i really need to do.

really.. i have got that good at fixing it, i can get out, run around passenger side, drop on the floor, shimmy under the car, pop the ball joint back on then run around and get in all before the traffic lights turn to green.

Dragon Man said:

looks good to me! that is the one that pops off on mine if i push mine into 1st too hard :/

you can pop them off and grease them.. or you can just swap them for new which is what i really need to do.

really.. i have got that good at fixing it, i can get out, run around passenger side, drop on the floor, shimmy under the car, pop the ball joint back on then run around and get in all before the traffic lights turn to green.

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I'll give it some grease and be gentle

Torridon1 said:

I'll give it some grease and be gentle

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Check the condition of rubber boot under the gear lever, best seen from underneath. Might be the case that the bushes got dry and contaminated with debris.
Next point to look would be the vertical lever attached to back of the gearbox with ball joint tab at the bottom ( shown on you photo) and upper tab with eyelet. Top and bottom bush inside that bracket can worn out due to lack of lubrication.


Is it more noticeable when moving the lever up/down or left/ right?

The rubber boot under the lever is definitely frayed and got holes in, so will get a replacement.
I will need to check if left or right side is noisier. I would guess 1st and 2nd as we have only heard it at low speeds.
How do I lubricate it? Decent smear of good grease?
Thanks

I greased the joints at the base of the gear lever and the other end of the connecting rod.
Seems happier and quieter.
I will post again if things develop
Thanks for the help. Always appreciated.

mine actually failed today whilst driving home. suddenly the distance from 3rd and 4th went rather far away. i know what part it was, that arm that goes through the tube thing.
theres been no bushes in it since i got the car, also the very top nut sheared off.

thankfully i have a complete spare box that i kinda stole it from.. and it was in really good condition too with hardily any ware on the bushes.
so replaced it with that, but i did first take it apart, sand it all down as it was slightly rusty and grease the whole thing. welded the nut back on the top and now the gear changes are really tight, they will loosen up in a few days as my other panda's did.

Dragon Man said:

welded the nut back on the top and now the gear changes are really tight, they will loosen up in a few days as my other panda's did.

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Grease nipple is good way of extending the bushing live.