Gear Selection

[Bobby-Mel]

Hi, having problems with my gears tonight, to select first I have to go past the gate which normally takes you to reverse, so hence got no reverse. But my gears are very difficult to find, gearlever is floppy, like it's in Neutral, while it is in gear.

Is this easily fixed, or is it a new gearbox?

Bob

[E_T_V]

Which engine? / Gearbox

If it is a VW gearbox then it is probably a linkage issue.
If it is a PG1 gearbox then you may have broken the universal joint and need to repair/replace it.

[Bobby-Mel]

How do I know, it's a 1987 1.6 HL...does that help

[Austin-Rover]

Likely one of the ball/socket connectors on the gear change linkages has popped off. Open bonnet, and look at the back of the engine bay behind the gearbox.

The ball/socket wears with age and sometimes unsympathetic gear changes or being rough with the gear stick can cause them to pop off.

[Bobby-Mel]

Easy fix?? Or major headache?

[E_T_V]

Easy fix if it is a linkage popping off. Pop it back on and look for a new linkage rod (As yours may be worn if it has popped off by itself).

[Bobby-Mel]

Is this the part...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GEARBOX-SE...item3f52dc02e4

[Austin-Rover]

No. They have sockets on the end for the ball to sit in at the rod end and the gearbox end.

There are different ones for 4 and 5 speed boxes too so make sure you get the correct one.

In the meantime, pop the current one back on.

[Simon]

Worth checking the selector rod lever DAM7742 (No 15 in the picture) isn't starting to crack where the boss attaches to the lever allowing the gearchange to flop around. NLA from Rimmers though and the substitute part they suggest isn't suitable.

[Bobby-Mel]

Popped the thing back together again, all seems good. Now just need a permanent fix, can you get these parts?

Bob