Next big job - V8S Gearbox Selector Bushes

[bicycleRepairMan]

Thanks for all the advice guys - the bushes are now all done:

Front ones were fairly easy:


The two at the side-back were total PIA, not helped by the bracket on the selector being 3mm narrower than would be convenient. Lost count of how many times I dropped bushes, bolts, spanners etc into the void. Generally they ended up on my drive, but some I had to fish out...


Drives significantly better now

Only two issues remain from my limited test drive. Shifting into 3rd gear crunched like I'd forgotten the clutch. Possible synchromesh, or dodgy clutch hydraulics (it was full of air when I picked it up). Only 3rd has ever crunched, and only once or twice. Second issue, not sure if it was the car or me, but I got stuck in reverse! Did a 3 point turn, went to pull away and couldn't...

Cheers

Ian

[v8s4me]

bicycleRepairMan said:

........ the bushes are now all done:

Only two issues remain from my limited test drive. Shifting into 3rd gear crunched like I'd forgotten the clutch..........

Well done. So none fell down and got stuck between the exhaust and the chassis then

If the selection problem persists after bleeding the clutch then try changing the gearbox oil. I'm a big fan of Difflock as it made a huge difference to my 'box but others have been satisfied with other brands. Do not use ATF though despite what you might read elsewhere.

[62stevew]

Guys,

I‘m following this thread with interest. I‘ve just bought an old RV8 & box. The selector rubbers are gone.

Is there a polybush for this instead of using a rubber bush ?

TIA
Steve

Edited by 62stevew on Tuesday 3rd August 14:17

Edited by 62stevew on Tuesday 3rd August 14:18

[bicycleRepairMan]

HI Steve

I fitted these, and they are poly bushes:
https://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/car-parts/transmi...

These were also recommended:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184616783068

HTH

Ian

[v8s4me]

Why the enthusiasm for polly bushes? Both types are available from Rimmers and as you can see the standard ones are half the price of the polly ones.



If you're going to replace all eight that's a big difference.

[GreenV8S]

bicycleRepairMan said:

Lost count of how many times I dropped bushes, bolts, spanners etc into the void.

A piece of thread tied round spanners/bolts or threaded through gaskets, nuts, bushes etc is a great help when struggling to get things in place.

[62stevew]

My thoughts on poly bushes are that rubber bushes have proved they will soften & rot.

I only want to do the job once. Even if rubber bushes fitted now, may be good when I stop driving ( yeh…… it‘s within the next 20 years !)

Each to their own.

[62stevew]

bicycleRepairMan said:

HI Steve

I fitted these, and they are poly bushes:
https://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/car-parts/transmi...
HTH

Ian

Thx Ian,

I have ordered some. 👍

[WingNut]

Just a quick note to say, I did this job last night and what a transformation. Got to recommend it to anyone who has anything like a sloppy gearchange.

I got my V8S a few months back and knew I would have to sort the gear change out as it was very hit and miss. Stripped the centre consul out and removed the gaiter to find that there were one and a half of the eight rubber bushes left and still in place! The whole remote unit moved around more than the selector!!!

Bolts came out in 5 mins cleaned up the linkage and then took nearly an hour to get all the bolts with the new rubbers back in. The new rubbers make it very tight on the lower two fixings and trying to get the bolt started in the hole when you have such little room to fiddle with is the problem. Need to make sure the two top bolts are in and fully done up against the inner sleeves to squash the rubbers and so align the bottom two holes. Then perseverance wins eventually.

Hands are sore this morning from the bumps and scrapes but the gear change is just lovely now! Thanks for posting this and me finding it for even knowing what the problem and solution may have been. Cheers.

[Oldred_V8S]

WingNut said:

Just a quick note to say, I did this job last night and what a transformation. Got to recommend it to anyone who has anything like a sloppy gearchange.

I got my V8S a few months back and knew I would have to sort the gear change out as it was very hit and miss. Stripped the centre consul out and removed the gaiter to find that there were one and a half of the eight rubber bushes left and still in place! The whole remote unit moved around more than the selector!!!

Bolts came out in 5 mins cleaned up the linkage and then took nearly an hour to get all the bolts with the new rubbers back in. The new rubbers make it very tight on the lower two fixings and trying to get the bolt started in the hole when you have such little room to fiddle with is the problem. Need to make sure the two top bolts are in and fully done up against the inner sleeves to squash the rubbers and so align the bottom two holes. Then perseverance wins eventually.

Hands are sore this morning from the bumps and scrapes but the gear change is just lovely now! Thanks for posting this and me finding it for even knowing what the problem and solution may have been. Cheers.

Glad it is all back together and feeling better, worth all the effort.