Sloppy Gearchange

Post by **Tim Leech** » Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:15 pm

Im impressed with the little 14TE, having never driven one before its alot pokier than I imagined, ok its noticeably slower than the TRS but the non power steering is light and direct and starting it from hot or cold is a joy compared to some petrol BXs!.

What lets her down is a very sloppy and quite pondourous gearchange. Owen drove her home and said his 14TGE was similar but is there a way to adjust/tighten things up a bit?

Ta!

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:03 pm

you need to identify where the play <technical word> is.

Likely in the linkages between gearbox and gear lever pivot at the back of the gearbox. Give them a wiggle, if they are very loose the plastic cap inserts have worn and you can swap the linkages. If the bushing at the bottom of the gear stick has failed you will get a LOT of play but i think only in one direction.

Failing that it could be the pivot bolt is loose, or the gearbox is knackered of the gear knob might be broken/loose.

Can you describe the play a little better?

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 5:13 pm

Yep, careful examination of the mechanical linkges is the only route to diagnosis here.

However, I seem to remember hearing on the radio that "Rain stopped Play".

Post by **Tim Leech** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 6:38 pm

The gears are easy to engage but you can "waggle" the lever about alot when its in gear, will have it on the ramp soon and take a look, does it have a BE3 box as its a 1.4TU?

Mike Holdstock · Post by **Mike Holdstock** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 6:48 pm

Both my 14's , which I have had from a relatively low mileage, have had a very loose feeling in the gearchange. I have always been told is part of the model, feels like stirring porridge. Never got worse . The 19GTi has a totally different feel.

Mike

Post by **Tim Leech** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 11:26 pm

Mike Holdstock wrote:Both my 14's , which I have had from a relatively low mileage, have had a very loose feeling in the gearchange. I have always been told is part of the model, feels like stirring porridge. Never got worse . The 19GTi has a totally different feel.

Mike

Thanks Mike, the 14E Leader I had was similar in feel although had the old gearbox in sump engine, guess Im used to modern cars, plus the 16v box is so sweet in comparison, will have a look under there when shes on the ramp to see if theres anything obvious.

Vanny · Post by **Vanny** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:17 am

you might need to remove a heat shield to correctly chck the bushing at the bottom of the gear lever when coming from below. Better to check all linkages from above to be honest, easily accessed, nothing needs removal, easier to observe etc etc ramps are not the answer to everything!

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 6:40 pm

OKidokes, will take a look when I get chance.