Gear lever gone floppy

[hogweed]

Suddenly the gear level feels “mushy”, like you're stirring thick oil – actually, it feels more pleasant than it ever has before, but is a bit vague.


Also I can hear something clunking under the bonnet when I select 2nd or 4th


Otherwise drives fine though



My days of investigating such things myself are long over. Any idea what it might be? There’s a 3 week waiting list at all garages FFS – I just want an idea if possible, if it’s likely to be serious/going to pack in, or if it can be driven for a few weeks…


Thanks

[Lee T]

Sounds like a gear cable problem. The rubber in the links at the gear box end can perish, giving the symptoms you describe.

[hogweed]

Originally Posted by Lee T

Sounds like a gear cable problem. The rubber in the links at the gear box end can perish, giving the symptoms you describe.

Thanks


Is that the sort of thing which can fail, ie cables pop out or something and leave me stranded?

[Lee T]

Originally Posted by hogweed

Thanks


Is that the sort of thing which can fail, ie cables pop out or something and leave me stranded?

Yes if it let's go entirely you will not be able to select gears. New cables are available, but only the later version. If your car has the earlier cables you will need to replace the selector box for a later version that will match the later cables.

[hogweed]

Originally Posted by Lee T

Yes if it let's go entirely you will not be able to select gears. New cables are available, but only the later version.

Thanks again. It's late 2004, so hopefully it's the later type

Originally Posted by Lee T

If your car has the earlier cables you will need to replace the selector box for a later version that will match the later cables.

GAAAHHH! I always preferred the pre-facelift models... till now


Update: of course, as always I have no idea what I'm doing, but I looked on Rimmers, which said:


Rover 75/MG ZT Selector Mechanism - External from 4D307061 - Manual Diesel

- I guess this is the later one, and seems to refer to the VIN number. As mine starts with 5D, I'm guessing I have the later type...?

[vitesse]

Think you might save a few bob if you consider: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/rov...dd755f63&_ss=r

Regards

[hogweed]

Originally Posted by vitesse

Think you might save a few bob if you consider: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/rov...dd755f63&_ss=r

Regards

Woah! Thanks mate, didn't even occur to me to look there (normally would, but for some reason thought this would be obscure).


Managed to twist a mechanic's arm to have a quick look at it on Tuesday. If that's the problem, I'll grab one and hopefully get him to fit it

[planenut]

This worked for one of mine. Get the cable back on the ball joint then clamp it with this.

ebay.co.uk/itm/Gearbox-Gear-Cable-Linkage-Repair-Clamp-For-Vauxhall-Vivaro-Renault-Traffic/153946566351?

Good luck

[hogweed]

Originally Posted by planenut

This worked for one of mine. Get the cable back on the ball joint then clamp it with this.

ebay.co.uk/itm/Gearbox-Gear-Cable-Linkage-Repair-Clamp-For-Vauxhall-Vivaro-Renault-Traffic/153946566351?

Good luck

Thanks for that - unfortunately I won't be able to do it myself, but I'll suggest it.


Is it a long-term repair?

[planenut]

Originally Posted by hogweed

Thanks for that - unfortunately I won't be able to do it myself, but I'll suggest it.


Is it a long-term repair?

Yup, definitely long term. This is not the normally recommended course of action for our cars, but clearly for some other makes, but it works.