Gearchange was a bit loose so took the centre console out to check out the gear turret. Found the 3 bolts holding the gearlever down were LOOSE and slight oil leak. Seemed to have caught it in time, as there was plenty of clean looking oil in the turret. Cleaned and sealed the area with RTV and tightened the bolts properly. Would vibration and heat have caused this? Anyway, check yer bolts chaps (and chapesses!) its an easy 10 min job to get to them.
Another interesting fix found, the top rubber had perished through but the previous owner, an enterprising chap, had decided to use an old pleather gaiter fastened around the remaining edge of the rubber and tied to the gearstick (in parallel with the top gaiter) as a secondary seal. It seems to work quite well and cheaper than replacing the top rubber hood.
Further thoughts on premature failure of the upper hood, could it be that worn gearbox/engine mounts cause the gearbox to shift excessively under torque, causing the top rubber boot to strech and eventually break?
Cheers
Mark
I have heard about the loose bolts before, but a good reminder to check the obvious first
As far as the rubber failing, I think it’s a combination of movement [gearlever] and heat that knackers the two rubber seals. Mine were gone after 50k k’s so I doubt any of the main rubber mounts were worn at that time
Glad I found this thread.
I have a rattly gear lever. Its getting a bit annoying now. Keeping hold of kit stop it but i guess its time to fix it.
After 164,000 miles I guess its time to have a delve inside the console.
Is the gearbox oil topped up from where the Gear lever slots in? What oil does it take? How much? What are the bushes I may need?
Sorry for hijacking the thread.
You’ll probably find that the anti-vibration crinkle washer that fits under the plastic cup that nuzzles the ball of the shift lever has broken.
Part number is M505-17-482 labeled 17-482 in this document.
About a £1 from a dealer or MX5Parts. You might find the plastic cup (17474) isn’t too happy either.
Worth doing the rubber seals as well, see Geoff’s link.
Thanks guys.
As ever, new forums are big places for info especially one so dedicated to this one car. I will find my way around eventually.