Few questions before I replace gearstick boots...

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

Hi,

Have carpet/centre console up at moment to put in some under-carpet insulation, and noticed the upper gearstick boot is completely knackered - am guessing the lower one’s not much better… Found a kit from mx5parts with both boots and the nylon cup thing, and a few good how-to guides. 

Just wondering if there are any other parts I should order in at the same time - e.g. some people also replace various bushing and washers - I guess I’ll see how they look, when I change the boots, but is there anything else here that should be changed as a matter of course? Never worked on the gearbox before so it’s all new to me. (btw, gearbox oil was changed very recently, so I’m assume I can just leave that, and no need to top up or anything after doing this work)

Also, there’s no insulation material on top of the upper boot, which I’ve noticed there is in a lot of how-to guides - can’t find any info on this anywhere, or where to buy replacement - any suggestions? One of the reasons I want to change the boots is there’s a lot of transmission noise coming up from around the gearstick, so, although I’m sure you don’t strictly need the insulation, I reckon it’s worth adding every layer possible of noise reduction.

Thanks!

3

OK, I’ll edit my post, basically deleting the advice. There’s a very good reason for this. Robbie’s post below is always the best advice to follow and proved that I’ve not a clue about what I’m talking about.

4

The 6 speed box on the NB doesn’t have the oil reservoir in the extension housing like the 5 speed. So assuming the OP has a Sport as is in their signature then the oil won’t be there to change, just apply grease to the ball at the base of the gear stick.

You’ll get new sound insulation from a Mazda dealer or mx5parts.co.uk.

5

Thanks, good to know re oil (yes, is 6-speed 1.8 sport, mk2.5 2002) - is copper grease OK for lubing the ball?

Any suggestions where to find the insulation? I’m currently searching for “gear boot insulation” but no luck - is it maybe called something else?

By the way, the kit from mx5 parts has: 1 x Genuine Mazda Upper Shift Boot - 1 x Genuine Mazda Lower Shift Boot - 1 x Genuine Mazda Gearlever Nylon Cup

And after watching a few more vids am a bit clearer on the other parts I might need - looks like there’s a 2-part bushing (nylon ring and thinner metal ring that fit together) just below the lower boot that’s likely to need replacing too - may as well order this in advance, but could anyone confirm these are the right parts? 

http://www.autolinkmx5.com/gear-lever-upper-change-bush-m50117481-mazda-mx-5-mk1-1989-98-8961-p.asp

http://www.autolinkmx5.com/gear-lever-wave-washer-mazda-mx-5-1989-2005-gearshift-m50517482-5812-p.asp

 

 

6

You can buy the washers bushings but I’ve never replaced any on my Mk1/Mk2 not needed too.

Re the felt type insulation that goes around the gear lever after the upper boot has been replaced, I can’t find any either. It’s only thick felt matting, so anywhere that sells that you could get an off cut or scrap piece. Guessing it would most likely need to be heat/fire proof though.

7

Good to know I probably don’t need those extra washers.

Do you reckon I can do this job without a vice by the way? It’s looks kind of tricky getting the parts on/off…

8

OK, so I’m told vice not necessary - all parts arrived now so just one last question: for lubricating the parts for removal/replacement, is wd40 OK, or copper grease, or something else?

9

I’ve used something like this on mine.

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/lubricating-penetrating-oil/wd-40-specialist-high-performance-white-lithium-grease-250ml

 

10

You only need some vaseline to slip the new boot over the gear stick. Easiest way to remove old one is a stanley knife.
Whole job can be done in 40 minutes.

11

Finally getting round to this job after car had to go in for some other repairs…

I’m still not totally clear, could someone clarify, is regular wd40 OK for lubricating these parts? Or copper grease? These being the two lubricants I already have in my toolbox. 

Or is vaseline definitely OK? I know you’re not supposed to combine vaseline with condoms… but I guess the plastic washer here is made of stronger stuff? :slight_smile:

 

12

OK, job done! Used vaseline as lubricant, all went smoothly, tho I will say it’s the most prngraphic repair I’ve ever done on a car…

I managed to get the rubber boots off/on more easily than most people report, but I had real problems getting the replacement metal wave-washer on (old one came off easily tho as it was cracked!). I think it’s unique to mk2s (or maybe just 6-speed gearboxes?) that the base of the stick is slightly flared - hence not easy to get the metal washer over it, and lubricant doesn’t help here. 

Oh, and again possibly unique to 6-speed, the gearstick appears to be able to go back in two different ways - apparently the side with the yellow dot painted on it needs to face forwards. 

Anyway, it seems to have done the trick - changes feel much smoother and more precise, and less noise and heat from transmission. As people say elsewhere, is well worth doing, this task.

I won’t go into details as there are plenty of very comprehensive how-to guides and youtube videos on this already, but here are a few pics: