Gear linkage - all baggy. What to do?

[Tim S]

Something's up with the gear linkage on my car (S2 111S). Obviously, it's a K series, so the gearbox always feels horrible, but it's got worse recently - and the cross-plane movement is really woolly now. It always still slots home (so it's not that it's disconnected), but it feels like something's worn out.

Is it time for replacement cables? Is changing them a big job?

Is there anything else I should be checking first?

Thanks

Tim

[Dominic]

Simple answer; give Craig at Murrays a call ..(although I think he might be / about to be on holiday).

Otherwise, it's not something I have ever done, but I think my car has an uprated linkage fitted - seems nice enough to drive to me.

[Mikie711]

Gear change in the K series isn't that bad likely yours needs adjusting. Most change out the adjustable rose jointed link rod for an updated one as well. If you get hold of a service manual off the net, just search for Elise service manual, it explains how to set up the gear linkage.
Check that all the levers are straight and that that they are free moving and that the bushes aren't worn.

[thesurfbus]

I replaced all the bushes at the linkage end, it was an easy job and certainly made the gear change less vague.

[robin]

Sometimes dismantle, clean, lube and reassemble sorts it.

Relatively easy and I know you can sort yourself given other tasks you've tackled:-)

You need undertray off then you can see the bellcrank and other Gubbins.

If the rubber bushes in the eyes of the gear cables gave perished then Elise parts do solid replacements I think. These pass more vibration to the stick but give more direct feel.

Ta,
Robin

[Tim S]

OK thanks guys - I'll have a play about with trying to improve what's there.
Cheers
Tim

[Shug]

Check the clips holding the outer cables in place at the gearbox end. They can come free and give the really sloppy shift you describe - especially if it just happened overnight. Pennies to replace (assuming they are still available) but next time make sure they are cable tied in place as well.