Box or Linkage

[windysurfer]

Im struggling to get into reverse gear.

All was fine up until yesterday when it just would not got in.
There's no gringing of gears when I try to put it in it just feels solid.

I've had a look at my linkage but everything looks fine.

I can manage to get in in reverse but have to push the gearstick hard over to the nearside
( a lot harder than before)

All other gears are fine.

Anything else I can check before I have to start looking for a replacement box?

cheers

Gaz

[jamesc76]

did you lube up the box under the gearstick ????

[windysurfer]

yep

just removed stick and greased everything I could grease.
Didn't seem to improve things

[Mocki]

if it was i, i would disconnect the linkage at the gearbox "onion" and see if i could select it direct on the gearbox........ then if ok, work my way forwards

[windysurfer]

which bit is the 'onion' then?

this bit?

[Mocki]

the knuckle on the gearbox end, that the linkage sits on,

the last joint before the gearbox

[Krisis]

Have you tried getting it into reverse manualy, leaning over the engine and reaching down directly to the lever ?
Have you checked the oil level in the box ?
TTFN Kris

[windysurfer]

I have tried manually but it's hard to push it over far enough to get reverse or first. If somebody moves the stick over to the nearside then It will go in OK.

I'm assuming the gearbox oil is ok as the is no signs of any oil leaking and box was fine before yesterday

cheers

Gaz

[lloyd]

I'm assuming the gearbox oil is ok as the is no signs of any oil leaking and box was fine before yesterday

Suggest as above... check gear oil level. Assuming can get you into real trouble sometimes

[Mocki]

you will need a 17mm hex driver socket, or two wbx headbolt nuts screwed onto a peice of threaded bar and welded together

[windysurfer]

How much does the gearbox hold?

My van is parked on my drive which is on a slope so might as well just
change oil and refill with correct amount.
And is there a certain type of gearbox oil?

cheers

Gaz

[Aidan]

2wd 4 litres but you can't drain it all out.
I recommend the Fuchs Titan Synthetic GL4 from GSF <£20 for 4 litres

[noss vanagon]

Did you check that the spring loaded pin which has to push across was free moving before greasing the box under gear stick, if it is sticking could give probs. bit of wd40 prior to greasing.

Just an idea always best to try the easy stuff first.

regards
steve

[HarryMann]

There is wear in one of the joints...

Like as not if it's been getting harder to engage reverse, then do what Mocki says, inspect every flex joint and bush from the back forwards. Cances are the rear bush is worn (they alwasy are!) and its even possible the ally cup for the cup and ball joint (onion=ball) is a bit sloppy on the rear selector rod.

Every part of these selectors has 'some' play in it, and usually some wear (Unless you kow a mint T25, 0 miles)

Establish where the worst wear is... or where it seems to produce the worst result on clarity of selection.

Spending 10 minutes underneath, rattling the various rods and arms, uncover the central bush and spider joint and see how worn they are and then see if the bush in the bottom of the gearlever is worn. Then the Universal joint in the floor, does the lever spring back up and is it supported well without slopping around.. OK, devote 1/2 hour to it all, whatvere it takes.

Read all the Wiki on Sloppy Gearchanges...?

The get back to us with what you've found...

Bet it's not the box! but quite prepared to eat humble pie, after all, I'm quite used to it..

[Rozzo]

mine was the guide ring where the rear rod slides and pivots on the fixed guide pin on the gearbox,, it was worn out and the slop there meant the gearstick wasn't moving the gearbox lever far enough over. a new bush sorted it completely.