Technical Can't select Reverse Gear

[Fayray]

Hi everyone
It's been a while since I've posted but Barry has been in use and performing well... until this week. I can't get him into reverse. 1-4 select ok but reverse is like a brick wall. This is whether the engine is running or not. Any clues from the experts?

*photo for a reminder, it really has been a while. He's the one on the left

 

[timmycm850]

Hi Fayray.

On a classic 500 I would first look at the little lolly/rubber connection. Its just at the back of the floor and at the front of the gearbox. It's likely the rubber starting to disconnect or its the spaced clamp bolt connection.
Effectively The sideways movement your putting into the lever is not being transfered to the gearbox.

Definitely my first port of call following your symptoms.

Tim

 

[Fayray]

Hi Fayray.

On a classic 500 I would first look at the little lolly/rubber connection. Its just at the back of the floor and at the front of the gearbox. It's likely the rubber starting to disconnect or its the spaced clamp bolt connection.
Effectively The sideways movement your putting into the lever is not being transfered to the gearbox.

Definitely my first port of call following your symptoms.

Tim

Thanks Tim
I should've done that already but it was replaced recently so figured it'd be fine. But at the last wof check (MOT) I asked my mechanic to check it while on the hoist as it was rattling. He tightened it up and all was fine. Can they be over-tightened? Do they need some play?

 

[timmycm850]

If if was loose then grit could get under oneside maybe. I would check it anyway. Alternatively check the gearbox mounts incase its shifted slightly. But make sure the right hand mount is not loose.

 

[the hobbler]

If if was loose then grit could get under oneside maybe. I would check it anyway. Alternatively check the gearbox mounts incase its shifted slightly. But make sure the right hand mount is not loose.

The bolts for the gear-change 'lollipop' are steped,and should have a 'wavy' spring washer---this washer is there to take up the very small clearance that the 'step' on the bolt has (so that the nut CAN be tightened and not seize up the movement between the gear-shafts and the lollipop)

 

[timmycm850]

Yes. Dismantle/clean and regrease with thick grease and yes make sure all the spacers are in there

 

[Toshi 975]

If you have no luck with the above suggestions then apart from gearbox internal problems the part that has caused me most problems over the years is the bush I have indicated in the picture. It fits in the gear lever box supporting the output shaft. When it wears or breaks down gear selection gets harder or impossible to get all gears.

 

[timmycm850]

Good call too

 

[Fayray]

you were right Tim. The lollypop linkage had come loose at one end. I can't tell if the wavy spring washers are in place until I get it out of the shed and into my workshop where I can jack it up. But the nut at one end was very loose and just reaching under and doing up finger tight I can now grab reverse. I appreciate the help from all of you as ever. Cheers

 

[timmycm850]

Thats great news its the rear as its really accessible and an easy fix. If you have new nylocs then use them to reduce the chance of it happening again.

 

[the hobbler]

Thats great news its the rear as its really accessible and an easy fix. If you have new nylocs then use them to reduce the chance of it happening again.

The nuts are 10mm nyloc (10mm spanner---6mm thread)

 

[PiperataMalc]

Hi Fayray.

On a classic 500 I would first look at the little lolly/rubber connection. Its just at the back of the floor and at the front of the gearbox. It's likely the rubber starting to disconnect or its the spaced clamp bolt connection.
Effectively The sideways movement your putting into the lever is not being transfered to the gearbox.

Definitely my first port of call following your symptoms.

Tim

Hi I have the same problem. I have the new bushes and I would like to know how easy the job is. Is it accessible from the inside of the car or from underneath. Thanks

 

[the hobbler]

Hi I have the same problem. I have the new bushes and I would like to know how easy the job is. Is it accessible from the inside of the car or from underneath. Thanks

When fitting a new gear-change "lollipop" it is much easier to do it if the car is upon stands at the rear (NEVER work under just a jack). The job is not difficult, but remember as you undo the bolts for the"Lollipop" remember where the "shakey" washers go. The little bolts that connect the "lollipop" to the gearchange rods are 'stepped' so that you can tighten the nut (10mm nylock) right up and still allow a shade of movement between the 2 parts of the gear-linkage and the "lollipop" arms.