Buzzing gear stick

[swimmer27]

Evening all.

Just returned from a great day at the Stratford Upon Avon Classic Car Show, my S2 did the 200 miles without a hip up although on the return journey I could here a buzz from the gear stick which starts at about 60mph and then continues the faster you go.
I do remember a post many months ago regarding this, I have no PC at the moment so only using my phone, can any of you kind S owners describe what the procedure is to replace what ever it is under the gear stick?

Thanks in advance

Paul

[swimmer27]

I will unscrew the wooden gear knob and give it a try, some google results mention something called a saddle!

[swimmer27]

phillpot said:

clicky for saddle

This goes between the end of the gearstick and the selector rail.

Thanks phillpot have just purchased it as could be a cheep fix, the gear knob could do with replacing too so will have a look around to see what's available

[swimmer27]

Roy C said:

The gearstick is in two parts, with a plate between the upper and lower sections. This can come loose, causing vibration and "buzzing."

TVR did this to bring the stick further forward as the engine and box are mounted as far back in the chassis as possible.

Thanks for the info Roy

[swimmer27]

phillpot said:

Mine's all welded, nothing to come loose there. No two the same eh

Underneath that gaiter of yours where the gear stick connects with the selector shaft you should find the saddle!
Just removed mine so will have to wait for the postman to deliver the replacement.

[swimmer27]

Spathodus77 said:

I get the buzzing as well - can the saddle be replaced with the box in situ?

I removed the gear stick to reveal the plastic or nylon saddle, I will wait for the replacement to arrive later this week, from what I can see the saddle just pulls off the selector shaft so no need to remove the box

[swimmer27]

junglieD said:

I get the buzzing too but only seemingly in some of the 'front' facing gears i.e. 3rd and 5th.... particularly at high revs. Will be interested to see if this saddle fix works. Please keep us updated!

Regards,

David

I will David.
When I removed the three bolts holding the gear stick in place and then looked at the underside of the gear stick it has a very thick red grease almost the consistency of soft candle wax so not to sure what type it is, found a grease called Red Line CV2 Grease but this is for very high temperatures also having CV in the name could be a clue but it is red in colour, perhaps the red grease that's on my gear stick is the wrong stuff from a previous owner and I need a Lithium or Silicon grease.

I hope the saddle arrives in time for the weekend as going to the Brooklands event which is on my door step but will go for a blast on the M25 (subject to traffic of course) to see if the buzzing has stopped, if not then I will put it down to wear as my S2 went past the 100,000 point some time ago.

Edited by swimmer27 on Tuesday 7th May 08:38

[swimmer27]

Small update, fitted the new saddle this evening, a bit of a fiddle when you have broad hands and a small opening to deal with. Old saddle wasn't in the best of shape so fingers crossed for my test drive on Sunday to Brooklands for a quiet gear stick.

[swimmer27]

For those interested the new gearbox saddle seems to have cured the gear stick buzz so a cheap fix.

[swimmer27]

junglieD said:

Thanks for the update Swimmer. I've just bought one myself so hopefully I'll have the same positive outcome. Out of interest, did you need extra grease and if so which type and quantity did you settle on? Also, how long did it take to fit roughly? Cheers, David

Hi David
I didn't use any additional grease as the saddle its self wasn't greased, all the grease was on and around the ball type joint of the gear stick.
It took me 20 minutes to remove and about 30 minutes to replace as I found it a bit awkward getting the three gear stick retaining bolts back in.
I have also ordered a replacement gear knob as mine wouldn't tighten up as the nylon thread was shot.

[swimmerS2]

Hi Steve,
I no longer own the S2 but if I remember right I didn't remove the centre console as I'm sure there was a metal plate holding down the gaitor with 4 self tapping screws, it's also possible I removed the two screws on each side of the console just behind the seats to give more room, honestly can't remember but didn't take too long.
Just before I sold my S I replaced the Gearbox mount and whilst the Propshaft was removed I discovered the uj joint nearest to the gearbox had a tight spot, once this was sorted and balanced the car had no more vibrations.

Edited by swimmerS2 on Monday 30th March 13:03