gearbox rattle in 3rd

[wedged up]

just been out in the wedge 400se. when I engage 3rd gear and let go of the gearstick it rattles like hell but if I hold on to it and pull it to the right ( towards my leg ) the rattle stops.

Any ideas and what is the gearbox from ?

[mk1fan]

Sounds like a linkage bush or bolt needs attention;

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[wedged up]

o.k thanks , sounds like the remote bushes then . Sorry to be a divv but what exactly do I need to order , bushes for what gearbox ?

[wedged up]

Is it an LT77 in a 400 ?

[Wedg1e]

It could be the remote extension bushes but that more usually shows up when you pull the stick back into 2nd or 4th and the extension hits the propshaft flange... the other possibility is the domed cap that retains the stick into the extension; it's only held by a small tab with a 1/4"/ 6mm bolt. Often the tab snaps off and the stick is able to lift due to the spring under it.

[Number 7]

wedged up said:

Is it an LT77 in a 400 ?

Yes.

[wedged up]

I can lift the lift the stick !

[mk1fan]

There is also a nylon ball at the bottom of the gearstick that can break.

It is fairly obvious when viewed from the top if the ball or bushes have gone. Just need to get the centre console out.

While replacing the bushes is a worthwhile job, it could just be a loose bolt on the linkage mech.

[wedged up]

is it best to go at this from underneath ?

[Number 7]

wedged up said:

is it best to go at this from underneath ?

It's been a few years since I did mine, but I think you'll be able to do it from the top. Just need to remove the gear knob, handbrake rubber and handbrake / gear gaitor (should be on a single piece of manky hardboard, and takes a bit of fiddling to get it out). Might also be worth removing the trans tunnel tray base to see whether there are any fixings holding that end of the console down, as you might need to pull the entire unit back / up slightly. You will then see the rubber gaitor which needs removal to allow access to the linkage / bushes etc. That rubber gaitor is unavailable now.

[wedged up]

ok great , I,ve looked on the bay for the parts but am still unsure of what to buy as the parts have been called different things . Could anyone please advise me of all the parts I might need as I don't want to get half way through and find I need something else !

[Number 7]

[wedged up]

part 16 ?

[wedged up]

And Thankyou !

[Number 7]

[Number 7]

Yes, the bushes part 16. I'd take a look at everything before ordering parts though in case there are some other bits needing attention.

You'll also find lots of help here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1509503465930492/

[mrzigazaga]

Is it easy to remove the gaiters on a 400SE to get to the gearstick?...

[Number 7]

mrzigazaga said:

Is it easy to remove the gaiters on a 400SE to get to the gearstick?...

Not overly, hence my comment about maybe trying to move the entire centre section up and back slightly. I actually dispensed with the hardboard base and used some stiff plastic which also has some flexibility to attach the gaiter to.

[mrzigazaga]

Bit of a bad design really...I think an upgrade of velcro on the underside to attach the gaiter to may be in order but you would have to remove it all first so still a major headache for something simple...And as i have learnt with these cars...Normally the fix is a simple one but getting to it is a ruddy nightmare...

[wedged up]

Is the gator just sandwiched in there or fixed ?