Changed gearbox turret seals and oil! MK1 1.8iS
Discussion
Followed the guide on the Owners Club forum site and it really is a piece of cake.
Both my seals were completely mullered, with the top seal completely seperated from the piece that slides down over the shaft!
There was some oil left in the turret, albeit a horrible grungy grey sludge that I duly removed with the proverbial turkey baster, replacing it with some nice clear gear oil!
30 mins later, all done and the (cold) gearchange definiteky feels smoother and freer than before - so looking to sampling the proper MX5 rifle-bolt gearchange action tonight!
If you are thinking about it, just do it!
Both my seals were completely mullered, with the top seal completely seperated from the piece that slides down over the shaft!
There was some oil left in the turret, albeit a horrible grungy grey sludge that I duly removed with the proverbial turkey baster, replacing it with some nice clear gear oil!
30 mins later, all done and the (cold) gearchange definiteky feels smoother and freer than before - so looking to sampling the proper MX5 rifle-bolt gearchange action tonight!
If you are thinking about it, just do it!
Don Phil said:
I need to do this, I need a turkey baster first!
Do you have a link to the guide? What oil did you use?
I used the guide on the MX5OC forum - http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/201.aspx , dont even need to register to read forum and it is under the Mechanical FAQ section.Do you have a link to the guide? What oil did you use?
I used some synth gearbox oil I had left from changing the gearbox oil last weekend. Fill about half way up the turret.
Changing the box oil to fully syth Castol stuff made a huge difference to mine and this feels to have improved it ever so slightly more.
I'd imagine that if there is no oil left in your turret, it would make a massive difference to the gearchange!
Good luck
A post from my MK1 project thread
JFReturns said:
Another small update - I had noticed that my '5 had a notchy gear change, especially when cold. The gearbox oil was replaced, but this didn't make much difference. Also, the gear knob and gaitor seemed to get pretty hot...
Some research revealed my upper and lower gear boots had almost certainly perished. A quick browse on mx5parts, and two days later a new set had arrived.
This is really easy to replace, but I had problems getting the gear knob off (more about that later). There are plenty of guides around, but here are some of my thoughts:
You need:
- 10mm socket and spanner
- Phillips screwdriver
- Turkey baster or similar
- Old rag
- General purpose oil
First off, remove the centre console and arm rest. No problems here, so long as you don't lose the nuts (put them in the ash tray). However, make sure the car is in neutral before carrying on, as it makes it easier to refit the gear stick:
Take out the four nuts - you will need a small spanner for those near the dash, and remove the upper boot. Marvel at how perished and crap it looks compared to the new one:
Remove the three nuts that hold the lower boots and gear stick in place
Have a rag handy to catch any drips of oil:
New vs. old upper boot:
New vs. old lower boot (note that a little oil will help slide the old one off / new one on):
Take out the old oil with the turkey baster and replace with fresh. Don't overfill:
Refit gear stick making sure that the groove is facing forward. Check the gears engage, then fit the upper boot:
Refit the centre console and gaitor, then go for a drive and enjoy the rifle bolt gear change!
NOTE: All the guides say remove the gear knob first. If you can do this, then bully for you, I couldn't. Instead, I broke the gaitor clip and pulled the centre console (and gaitor) off, then took the entire gear stick out and put in a vice. Came undone easily enough then, and I have no doubt I would have broken something had I kept forcing it. It didn't make much difference to my gaitor either (see above pic).
Overall, a very good mod which I recommend doing.
Some research revealed my upper and lower gear boots had almost certainly perished. A quick browse on mx5parts, and two days later a new set had arrived.
This is really easy to replace, but I had problems getting the gear knob off (more about that later). There are plenty of guides around, but here are some of my thoughts:
You need:
- 10mm socket and spanner
- Phillips screwdriver
- Turkey baster or similar
- Old rag
- General purpose oil
First off, remove the centre console and arm rest. No problems here, so long as you don't lose the nuts (put them in the ash tray). However, make sure the car is in neutral before carrying on, as it makes it easier to refit the gear stick:
Take out the four nuts - you will need a small spanner for those near the dash, and remove the upper boot. Marvel at how perished and crap it looks compared to the new one:
Remove the three nuts that hold the lower boots and gear stick in place
Have a rag handy to catch any drips of oil:
New vs. old upper boot:
New vs. old lower boot (note that a little oil will help slide the old one off / new one on):
Take out the old oil with the turkey baster and replace with fresh. Don't overfill:
Refit gear stick making sure that the groove is facing forward. Check the gears engage, then fit the upper boot:
Refit the centre console and gaitor, then go for a drive and enjoy the rifle bolt gear change!
NOTE: All the guides say remove the gear knob first. If you can do this, then bully for you, I couldn't. Instead, I broke the gaitor clip and pulled the centre console (and gaitor) off, then took the entire gear stick out and put in a vice. Came undone easily enough then, and I have no doubt I would have broken something had I kept forcing it. It didn't make much difference to my gaitor either (see above pic).
Overall, a very good mod which I recommend doing.
Edited by JFReturns on Thursday 26th August 13:57
You can use any oil you like - it doesn't mix with the gearbox oil at all, there are no gears and it doesn't get particularly hot so there is no need for anything great. I'd use a drop of engine oil as I have plenty sitting around in the garage. It's 90cc from dry.
Don't try it on a 6-speed though - although the boots are the same they don't have separate turret oil, it's lubricated from the gearbox oil. That does mean it's important to make sure the lower boot in particular is in good nick on 6-speeds.
Don't try it on a 6-speed though - although the boots are the same they don't have separate turret oil, it's lubricated from the gearbox oil. That does mean it's important to make sure the lower boot in particular is in good nick on 6-speeds.
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