New gear selector rods fitted but......

[Sierra Charlie]

I have fitted three new gear selector rods to my Berlingo van as there was an issue which the previous owner disclosed prior to purchase and I experienced on test drive. The problem was third and fifth gear was difficult to select and de-select.

I was hoping the new rods would help cure the problem but it seems no better. You have to snatch/yank fifth gear to change down whilst being careful not to select reverse.

I checked around the gear linkage when changing the selector rods and the only wear or play I noticed was in the "ball and socket" at the gearbox end of the gear linkage. It was basically a metal hoop with like a rubber bush or collar inside. Are these known to cause problems or do I need to look elsewhere.

Many thanks

[deejay_xb]

You need to remove the gearbox. Inside you will find an U shape steel bar that is broken, this needs to be replaced. Good luck

[Sierra Charlie]

You need to remove the gearbox. Inside you will find an U shape steel bar that is broken, this needs to be replaced. Good luck

Many thanks for your reply deejay_xb

Just to clarify, its me being dense, I need to remove the gearbox but is the U shaped steel bar inside with the clutch or inside the gearbox? Is this part readily available to buy as a replacement would you know?

Thanks

[Kieron G]

It would be worth checking the ball on the linkage before removing the gearbox. I have seen that wear and crack. When the linkage rods are removed can you manually select the gears. Is the connection from the gear selector ok.

[Sierra Charlie]

   

It would be worth checking the ball on the linkage before removing the gearbox. I have seen that wear and crack. When the linkage rods are removed can you manually select the gears. Is the connection from the gear selector ok.

Thanks very much Kieron G for taking the time to reply  

Is this the ball on the linkage you mention, as this is the ball and socket I mentioned in my original post?

[Kieron G]

No worries. I think so. It's what the linkage pivots on. On M49 the ball looks to be nylon or similar when it's apart. Would have though you could check for free play with a long screwdriver or small pry bar against the linkage in that area.

[Sierra Charlie]

No worries. I think so. It's what the linkage pivots on. On M49 the ball looks to be nylon or similar when it's apart.  Would have though you could check for free play with a long screwdriver or small pry bar against the linkage in that area.

Thank you for your reply Kieron G.

Had a quick look this afternoon, there does not appear to be excessive play in the ball socket as seen in my last post.

The attached photo to this post shows the ball section. For the sake of a tenner it has got to be worth replacing this before anything else.

[Sierra Charlie]

Just to report back for anyone else who has similar issues with their gearbox. I have fitted the part as posted in my last reply.

I am now able to select all gears. There is obviously an issue with the synchromesh on third gear as it still grates slightly when changing down from 4th to 3rd, however if I double de-clutch its fine, something I can live with at least until MOT time in December. If it passes an MOT without too many issues I may invest in a replacement gearbox.

Hope this helps

[lonsometossa]

hello mr sierra ive recently had my gears go floppy i replaced link rods and gear return ball thing however although the gears went back to being stiff there's no spring in the gears so still have to select gears manually and now have your original problem, and keep pulling into revers what did you do to make yours work please?

[oilyrag]

Just to report back for anyone else who has similar issues with their gearbox. I have fitted the part as posted in my last reply.

I am now able to select all gears. There is obviously an issue with the synchromesh on third gear as it still grates slightly when changing down from 4th to 3rd, however if I double de-clutch its fine, something I can live with at least until MOT time in December. If it passes an MOT without too many issues I may invest in a replacement gearbox.

Hope this helps

Good progress and a lot easier than taking the gearbox apart. If the gearbox oil is incorrect or has an a friction modifier additive, possibly in attempt to fix the initial issue, it can affect the synchromesh, which relies on a degree of friction. Might be worth dropping the oil and adding correct grade - it might not be a cure, but again, for the money, not an expensive thing to try.
Good luck!