Refitting 5 speed RHD gear lever

[mattf]

Hi there

Apologies if this question has already been answered, but I couldn't find it on the forum.

I'm in the process of fitting a new gear lever to my 5-speed right hand drive van, and I've got the all the parts ready, but I'm having serious trouble trying to refit the spring and ball that create the detent mechanism. I've tried for several hours to push down the spring and insert the ball, but every time, the spring shoots back up with considerable force, and the ball ends up flying round the room.

I'm sure I must be doing something wrong, but I can't work out what.

Any advice would be gratefully received!

Cheers
Matt

[greasemonkey]

It's a tricky one alright.

I rested the ball on the spring and then pushed the plunger until it sat touching the ball.

Then push the ball down with a very thin bladed screwdriver through the access hole above and then gently push the plunger.

Hopefully as the ball goes down, the plunger slides over enough to hold the ball while you withdraw the screwdriver and then can push the plunger home.

Took me a few goes and a lot of patience

[mattf]

Thanks @greasemonkey. That's pretty much what I've been trying, so it's good to know I'm not completely off track!

How did you manage to keep the ball on top of the spring when you were pushing it down? Mine just keeps pinging off - nearly broke my glasses yesterday!

Cheers
Matt

[greasemonkey]

Ah, I remember now.

I changed to a small allen key as the flat base helped stop the ball pinging off.

I also had to keep the whole assembly balanced on a table so the spring was vertical and bearing sat balanced on top.

Still took a few goes mind.

[mattf]

Fantastic, thank you. I'll give that a go this evening.

Cheers
Matt