T5 Reverse Switch Access

[ChimpOnGas]

Hi guys,

Can someone tell me how easy or difficult it is to access the T5 reverse switch?

I know its on the N/S and roughly at same height as the filler plug on the opposite side of the box, but how is the access?

Being on the N/S of the box do I need to drop the exhaust to get at it?

Any photos would also be helpful.

Cheers, Dave.

[Chuffmeister]

I've read a few posts about this being difficult, so am interested in the responses myself. However (and forgive my lack of knowledge), would it not be possible to use a core bit and drill a hole through the transmission tunnel under the carpet and then reseal it sikaflex and a bung? Along similar lines to the clutch reservoir under the bonnet?

[QBee]

Chuffmeister said:

I've read a few posts about this being difficult, so am interested in the responses myself. However (and forgive my lack of knowledge), would it not be possible to use a core bit and drill a hole through the transmission tunnel under the carpet and then reseal it sikaflex and a bung? Along similar lines to the clutch reservoir under the bonnet?

If you know where to drill, then drilling out a big core couldn't be easier. When my speedo cable was chewed off by Mickey and his mates exactly where it passes through the fibreglass to go down to the diff, I simply stripped back all the interior (only two layers) and drilled out a core, then drilled a hole in the core itself, fed it onto the cable, soldered the cable back together and then Sikkaflexed the core back into the hole from whence it cameth. You won't even need to drill the little hole as you won't have wires to leave passing through.
So the trick will be locating where you need to drill the core. When my reverse switch broke, leaving the ball bearing in the bottom of the box and no reverse gear, Mat Smith had to be certain of the cause of the loss of reverse, so he simply took the exhaust off and dropped the box out (I guess he emptied it first), found the fault, replaced the switch and put it all back together again - for a charge to the garage who sold me the car of around £500. I could ask him if it can be done without dropping the box?

[ukdj]

Done this one recently and it was an exhaust off job purely for ease of access.

[swallet]

Ditto - it's frustrating for what is otherwise an easy job but the exhaust does have to come off.

[ChimpOnGas]

ukdj said:

Done this one recently and it was an exhaust off job purely for ease of access.

swallet said:

Ditto - it's frustrating for what is otherwise an easy job but the exhaust does have to come off.

Thanks guys, I thought it would mean dropping the exhaust

[QBee]

....but with a ramp for access and someone handy to waggle your tailpipes it's not difficult to get the exhaust off and on again.
We'll all be following Phazed's example soon and installing two posters in our garages. I could do with one right now, as my Audi has decided not to work - it's as if the battery is completely disconnected. I suspect rodents....again.

Such a shame.....I reluctantly had to take the TVR to work today, all 270 miles of it. 135 miles done so far, mainly with the roof off and me in a wooly hat and short sleeved shirt. The V8 heater did its stuff, (as did the trousers socks and shoes, before your minds boggle)

[Sardonicus]

You don't need to take the exhaust right of just slide it back over the rear ARB after 1st unbolting the center D mountings and cock to the side so the open entry is sitting under the passenger seat and the tailpipes sticking right out the rear of the car Griffith style even on axle stands 10 minute job and as much access as you need to get to the little blighter actually its one of Phazed's preferred methods for jobs such as this

[ChimpOnGas]

Sardonicus said:

You don't need to take the exhaust right of just slide it back over the rear ARB after 1st unbolting the center D mountings and cock to the side so the open entry is sitting under the passenger seat and the tailpipes sticking right out the rear of the car Griffith style even on axle stands 10 minute job and as much access as you need to get to the little blighter actually its one of Phazed's preferred methods for jobs such as this

Genius!!!

Many thanks Simon (& Peter), its little things like this that make the forum so invaluable.

Spot on

[Chuffmeister]

QBee said:

If you know where to drill, then drilling out a big core couldn't be easier. When my speedo cable was chewed off by Mickey and his mates exactly where it passes through the fibreglass to go down to the diff, I simply stripped back all the interior (only two layers) and drilled out a core, then drilled a hole in the core itself, fed it onto the cable, soldered the cable back together and then Sikkaflexed the core back into the hole from whence it cameth. You won't even need to drill the little hole as you won't have wires to leave passing through.
So the trick will be locating where you need to drill the core. When my reverse switch broke, leaving the ball bearing in the bottom of the box and no reverse gear, Mat Smith had to be certain of the cause of the loss of reverse, so he simply took the exhaust off and dropped the box out (I guess he emptied it first), found the fault, replaced the switch and put it all back together again - for a charge to the garage who sold me the car of around £500. I could ask him if it can be done without dropping the box?

So it is possible for ease of access... you could even use one of the 'gearbox inspection plugs' for removable fix. Not a major issue getting the exhaust off I guess, as I've removed it a few times now ... just a faff on axle stands.