Shifter / Linkage Binding

Former Member

I was out in my CMC today and noticed it was getting increasingly hard to shift. Not a clutch / grinding issue but the linkage itself seemed to be binding.
Back home even sitting still with the engine off it does the same thing. I can't select any gear and the lever seems very tight and has limited movement. After a gentle force it all loosens up and eveything works great for a few shifts then it binds again. It looks like even the base of the shifter where it goes through the carpet is moving.
Any ideas? Is this one for the driveway or one for the shop?

BTW, posted a few new photos. Painted my wheel centers black and fitted a stinger and header but made a custom pipe to run the stinger 90 deg to the car like some Outlaw pics I saw. Same great sound, nothing to trip over.

Best,
Tony

10/31/041:08 PM

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Former Member

10/31/041:08 PM

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TUBB

there is a shift rod bushing hiding in the tunnel. Your discription of the problem sounds like what mine was doing when my bushing went.. Its a neoprene bushing that eventually wears out. I had a mechanic replace mine but some of the guys here have done it themselves I think.
ed

10/31/045:36 PM

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Former Member

Ed,
Thanks. I will check into that. I did notice that the base of the shift lever was moving too. I was just told that can have a big effect. When removing it one is supposed to make a witness mark as any misalignment will cause shifting issues. Mine is clearly moving around. I will jiggle things around until it drops back into that sweetspot where it is shifting well and bolt it tight again. if that does not work I will look into the busing you mention.

Tony

10/31/045:59 PM

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Alan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member

Tony,

Usually, when the nylon shift rod bushing wears through, it allows the shift linkage rod to rub against the rod bracket in the tunnel, you'll have a loud rattle under throttle load within the tunnel that comes up through the shifter itself.
Sounds like the shifter bolts worked loose.
.....Loosen the two 13mm bolts and move the shifter to the neutral centered position, snug the two bolts and give it a try... loosen and re-adjust as needed.

10/31/046:46 PM

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Former Member

Alan,
No rattle at all, must be the bolts.

What a great Fall day for a ride. This was the first real trip in the Speedster and I was in heaven. I can't believe I wasted all those years fooling with my old Land Rovers......the Speedster is what fun is all about.

Tony

10/31/047:15 PM

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TUBB

Old Land Rovers are a sickness unto themselves. Glad you came over from the dark!
Off topic, but yesterday I spotted a car, half mile ahead that looked sort of speedster-like and sped up to 75 to get a closer look (Was in the boxster, drove the speedster in the morning). It was a beautiful XK-150 with a couple enjoying the warm autumn afternoon. Gave 'em a big thumbs up.
ed

11/1/045:35 AM

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Former Member

Tighten the shifter screws Tony. Play around with the position of the base until you find the smoothest shifting and tighten it there.

11/1/0411:03 AM

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Former Member

Yanked up the carpet and the shifter plate was flopping all over the place. Got it centered and shifting fine. Bolts were not even close to tight.

On the road again!

Tony

The Rovers were a sickness. Typical Brit vehicles. Bad electrics, always dripping something but like a Speedster they leaked like sieves, top up or down and no real heat. They were considered the worlds most reliable, unreliable vehicle. Whether going to K-Mart or Katmandu you would have to stop and fix something BUT, you would get there.

11/1/045:34 PM

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Former Member

Good! I'm glad everything worked out....enjoy!

11/1/046:32 PM

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