First Breakdown, Stuck In Reverse

[Mellor]

Well it was the first time my little S1 brokedown, in bits at the mo continue tomorrow and hope for the same weather! Luckily for me it was close to home and I managed to get back there.

I always had a bit of a rattle to the gear level through vibrations but didn't really think anything of it. I guess thinking back the gear select was never how it should have been, down to play it seems. I have never drove another S, I saw this one and bought it. It was a bit of a pig to get in reverse and first to second was occasionally not so smooth. It didn't put me off as I was expecting the car to be feel worse than it did. A few silly questions if I may. Do you push down to get the car in reverse, as I do? or is this unneccesary? Are yours difficult to get in reverse? It can take me 3-4 attempts at times.

Anyways, the gear stick broke off in my hand as I was changing into reverse. Luckily I managed to get it into reverse before the gear lever snapped. I usually have a small selection of tools on hand when I am out in it. I took of the centre surround and the gaiter and removed the gear lever, the whole L-shaped bit. It seems that the gear lever was pop riveted onto the shaft I managed to get it into second with some pliers and cruised home.

This pop rivet had allowed excessive play and the actual hole that the shaft slots into is now completely warn and an irregular shaper. I think I am going to drill the shaft and tap it. Screw the lever and arm back on and then weld the screw in a couple of spots so it doesn't loosen. I think I will first have to make the hole regular and pack it out with some spacers or something. Any other suggestions more than welcome.

Ian

[Hoover.]

Try doubling the clutch on reverse...... or into neutral and then second then reverse wth the clutch peddle held down.......

some advise I got somewhere abd cannt remember where... but it worked on my S2.. apparntly a common prob for reverse :shrugs shoulders:

[Mellor]

Thanks Hoover,

I have repaired it today and welded it back on, no screws involved. The car now feels better than ever. No rattle to the gear stick and first to second has become smooth as you like. Reverse is now simple to find but always crunches if you go straight to it. However trying the method you mentioned limits the crunch quite a bit, cheers.

One more mechanical prob and then onto cosmetics.