gearbox???

[Mike Smith]

Hi all. I'm hoping someone can help me out before I go spending money on something that may or may not cure my fault. Basically, when I select reverse I can pull the gear stick further back than needed resulting in the linkage popping apart (ball and socket part). I have to feel for reverse being selected then let go of the gear stick otherwise I can pull it all the way back to the seatbelt socket. I had one of the short rods replaced but that hasn't helped. Is it possible that something has gone inside the gearbox? (I hope not)! It's a 1.9D on a 55 plate. Many thanks!

[evdama]

What are the other gears like to select?

Not the Radio1 Mike Smith by any chance?

[Mike Smith]

What are the other gears like to select?

Not the Radio1 Mike Smith by any chance?

Not that Mike Smith! The other gears are absolutely fine and it drives normal. The first time it did it and the linkage came apart I managed to limp to a nearby garage with the car stuck in third. He put the linkage back together and replaced one of the 3 short rods. However, a couple of days later it popped apart again, this time miles from home but I figured out how to fix it. I also figured out it only does it when I select reverse and I've managed to avoid it happening again. I'm not particularly mechanically minded but I would have thought there'd be something in the gearbox that stops the gear stick travelling once it's in gear???

[ron]

There is something in the gearbox to stop the selectors moving too far(detents),but the linkage is external & therefore easy to replace.
Get someone to move the stick gently while you watch the linkage move.I would replace the lot as it ain't expensive.:thumbsup: