Technical Loss of gear selection

[lazylobster]

So, giving Val a good run out yesterday, she does get used a lot. I hear clunking noise from the gearstick area and lose gear alignment. Pull over, of course nothing under the car to be seen. And with engine running, I'm able to select all gears except reverse.

I was a long way from home but managed to limp here. I was restricted to 1st / 2nd at times and at other times, could get into 3rd / 4th with a bit of crunching.

So, I think some bolts have come undone / lose around the gear stick tunnel area and will need to take a look.

What do I need to do to access the box area under the gear stick? Remove seats and carpet I'm guessing? Any other gotcha's I need to be aware of?



thanks
Rob

 

[Toshi 975]

The gear lever housing is secured inside the tunnel by two bolts that go in from the right hand side of the tunnel. If they work loose then the assembly can slide to and fro inside the tunnel giving the symptoms you describe.
If those two bolts are tight then the next most likely cause is the bush that supports the transfer rod from the gear lever back to the lollipop joint outside the back of the tunnel. The inexpensive bushes break down with age but require the removal of the complete gear-lever assembly to repair.

 

[lazylobster]

Hi and thanks Toshi. I'll be brave, roll up my sleeves and take a look. Be a first for me so I may have to reach out and ask some dumb questions.


Am I correct in seats and carpet removal being required to gain access?
R

 

[Toshi 975]

Am I correct in seats and carpet removal being required to gain access?
R

Afraid so, unless your car has the 3 piece carpet fitted.

 

[lazylobster]

OK, the two side bolts are in and very tight. I checked the rubber banjo that connects the shaft to the gear box. Rubber is good and solid and nyloc bolts in and tight. So, its something else buried in the tunnel. This exhausts my disassembly capability. So off to the garage she’ll go

On a positive note, I’ve learnt how to get the seats out and the carpet.

R

 

[Toshi 975]

On a positive note, I’ve learnt how to get the seats out and the carpet.

R

Well you are half way there then, very basic engineering to sort it out.

 

[lazylobster]

Madam now sorted. Chaps at r.proietti doing me proud. Also replaced rear brake cylinders on both rear wheels as one leaking.

But, made the terrible mistake of picking her up at 3pm on a wet Friday afternoon. Then a hell drive across London home. Took 3 hours. But Val preformed beautifully.

She needs a bloody good clean so thats a job for a lazy Sunday. There are some interesting cars at the garage. Nice to have a nose around

 

[the hobbler]

Do you know what the problem turned out to be that caused the loss of gear selection?

 

[Bubins]

There are some interesting cars at the garage. Nice to have a nose around

You should have picked up a spare!

 

[lazylobster]

Do you know what the problem turned out to be that caused the loss of gear selection?

Rubber bushes within the linkage Tom. Toshi 975 was bang on the money.

R

 

[lazylobster]

You should have picked up a spare!

Ohhh, I think if I came home with another stray, the wife would kill me

There is one car I really would like there. It's in the picture and NOT a 500.

Any ideas ?