General Gear changing probs, help!

[Cooter]

My mate has a Seat Marbella, yes I know its not a fiat (please forgive him!) but I am assuming the basic stuff is more or less the same as a Fiat Panda. Anyway the other day I was driving it and suddenly the gearstick just didnt want to find any gears at all, it just seemed like one big hole. I called the AA out and he jacked it up and took a flap of a black plastic looking box in the middle underneath. A small clip fell out of this box, AA man said thats your problem and put it back on. Job done, however becos the gears have always been a bit slack he also said that if I wanted to get the gears back to a tighter state I may be wise to get some bushes changed. Is this right? Is it easy and how much would it cost to do that. To be honest my mate is just pleased it wasnt the whole gearbox, but as the car is in great condition he wouldnt mind sortng these loose gears up a bit. Thanx in advance.

 

[John H]

If it's like a Panda have a look at these pix:

take your pick for sloppiness...

part "1" in the second pic is a favourite, but I'm sure others will have their own opinions.

 

[Cooter]

crikey! thanks John, any idea what that number 1 part is called. Be handy to tell a mechanic what I thought it might be.

Does anyone also think that a Seat/Fiat dealer would charge big money to have a good tighten up here and there as it isnt the whole gearbox?

 

[John H]

The drawings were for your use, and comments from others with experience of the problem.

IMHO..

If you're going to a mechanic for work to be done don't ever tell them what to do unless you know more than they do:
they will do what you say, and if it doesn't fix the problem they'll just say
"we did what you told us to...".

Describe, or show, the problems - but let them diagnose.

If you're buying expertise, let them use it.

 

[Cooter]

fair enuff, cheers