Gear Stick getting stiff

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:04 pm

I'm sure the gearstick used to be quite easy between the gears, although haven't been in it much recently.

Problem is, if in neutral, push gear stick over to left as if going for first/second then let go and the stick stays where it is... i'm sure it used to return to centre when let go and not in gear. stick just feels a bit slower between the gears, almost like it's in glue or something.

am i imaging things, or is this the gear selector cable going awry as i've read somewhere before???

any ideas anyone??

cla5h · Post by **cla5h** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:09 pm

Mine springs back nicely when the weather and car are very cold. But once things have heated up it tends to stick if I push it to the left or right.

Been like that since I got it, used to it, so doesn't bother me.

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:11 pm

Is there any oil in the gearbox? check the undertray for oily mess and see if the inboard tulip joints are slick with oil. Also check the selector underneath for leaks.

Might also be worth checking the bell crank gearbox end for play, see if it's still moving ok or wobbling like a wino.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:17 pm

RICHARDHUMBLE wrote:Is there any oil in the gearbox? check the undertray for oily mess and see if the inboard tulip joints are slick with oil. Also check the selector underneath for leaks.

Might also be worth checking the bell crank gearbox end for play, see if it's still moving ok or wobbling like a wino.

oh dear...

hopefully there is oil in the gearbox. will consult manual and see how i check. haven't got a clue what tulip joints are

manual again. hopefully all is well

will check asap...

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:23 pm

Inboard ends of the driveshafts there is a Tripode joint (with me so far?) if the inner bit (Looks like a rusty tin can each side of the gearbox) is wet with oil you have a driveshaft oil seal leak. Could indicate low oil (It came form somewhere!) You'll prolly find an oil slick on the undertray aswell.

checking the oil is a royal PITA. Is it particularly noisy on overrun? Topping mine up quietened it down alot. It'll prolly have some in but might need a top up. The level plug in hard to get to (See the manual!) but top it up through the speedo drive, saves mincing about quite as much with syringes and so on.

Might not be oil low though

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:32 pm

right, will check rusty tin cans

if no oil and undertray clear then all is well(ish) if i find valdeez proportions of oil then i guess i'll just panic or something...

got walshy and cadwell in 1 week.... it better not bl*ody break again...

mac · Post by **mac** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:06 pm

Check the elise-faq's for the procedure to fix this

Mac

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:46 pm

mac wrote:Check the elise-faq's for the procedure to fix this

Mac

Thanks mate, will check there first next time... cheers.

hopefully it's just the pivot.

robin · Post by **robin** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:46 pm

After it's three month rest EGOR's stick was equally stuck.

Fixed it by removing the linkage at the back, lubing and rebuilding. Also the pivot bolt was a bit tight - no need as it's a lock nut - so left it a bit looser.

Now returns to center on gearbox spring no bother.

Cheers,
Robin

albutch · Post by **albutch** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:09 am

robin wrote:Fixed it by removing the linkage at the back, lubing and rebuilding.

Just done the same on my car. I fitted the Eliseparts nylatron bushes a couple of years ago and I was about 6 months late in re-greasing. The metal pivot had completely seized in the bushes.

Timely reminder that the suspension bushes have done 12 months now and probably need doing too. I think I'll wait for the snow to go first though.

robin · Post by **robin** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:50 am

Love the avatar - couldn't you get the whole car in

Cheers,
Robin

albutch · Post by **albutch** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 12:53 pm

robin wrote:Love the avatar - couldn't you get the whole car in

Cheers,
Robin

I did in the end, whilst changing the cambelt.

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:43 pm

I need a tent....

robin · Post by **robin** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:09 pm

albutch wrote:
robin wrote:Love the avatar - couldn't you get the whole car in

Cheers,
Robin
I did in the end, whilst changing the cambelt.

Good effort - reminds me of changing the oil on the shed at the ring underneath lawrence's gazebo thingmy - what a life saver - I was only soaked instead of eskimo

Cheers,
Robin

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 12:30 pm

right, gearstick sorted, thanks robin.

new problem is when winding pistons back into calipers, i managed to tear one of the boots(stuck on like a bast*rd). robin mentioned they're off something like a renault laguna, but that no-one knows for sure.

Any ideas, or do i wait until caliper's seized/stuffed and then renew