Gearbox knuckle

Just for anyone's interest really.

The gear linkage failed after I drove back from the Origine RS meet; gear linkage bush worn at gearbox end.

So I decided that whilst fixing this I would also replace the gearbox knuckle at the same time: I had experienced difficulty on & off in selecting reverse.

Attached are some photos of the condition of the knuckle I've just taken off.

Not certain if this is typical of a 26 year old car or not.

Typical.
You need new balls.I do new balls.£70 if you send me the old unit.

WP_20160407_002.jpg

Thanks Lee, but I already have some new balls.

oohh bullocks

New balls fitted. Stuck an 8mm washer on each of the bosses to bring the centres the same as the OEM version.

Knuckle is now back on the car.

What a faff that is! Trying to put the nut back on the bolt securing the knuckle to the gear linkage is a delicate operation. Lost the original nut to the depths of the area just aft of the gearbox.

Trouble is the confined space. I needed hands the size of a dwarf to have any chance of finding it.
I gave up after trying to find it for the best part of an hour and found another nut to use.

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Took the gearbox linkage arm off today and replaced the perished bush with a new one.

Whilst I have made up a tool similar to JohnC, I was wondering about the other method people have used to squeeze the linkage arm onto the new bush - Sealant gun.

What type of sealant gun have others used, the cheap n cheerful one or the canister type?

[stephendell]

You might actually be able to get some gears when you have finished!

I'm finding it difficult to press the linkage onto the new bush. The issue I have is that I get everything square but then I dont have sufficient room to fit the G clamp. If I move it into a position where I do have room then it's not square.

Tried both sealant gun and G clamp methods.

Any advice please?

....... If I move it into a position where I do have room then it's not square.

Paul ....... if you leave the bracket with the new bush fitted, loose on its bolt thread .... ie. not tightened up .... and as the gear change rod can be moved fore and aft, you should be able to get it into a reasonably square position to pull the bush into the gear change rod with the G clamp.
Is your G clamp too big ? ......... I used a 3 inch one, which is just right.

PS ...... just checking with Amazon ....... the type below is a small frame type for confined spaces.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CLAMP-LARGE-IN ... n+g+clamps

I hope this is of help.

I always find it easier to press the bush into the rod first.That way you can position the clamp better/square as you are direct on to a true face.The way you have it now you will never get good purchase or be square.
Sometimes also pop the bush off the gearstick end as well to get better angle of attack..OK you then have two to do but I save by not having to remove the lever from the box ..........
Fit the lever back on the box then lever the rod/bush to pop it on to the ball.Just make sure you support the back of the bush as you lever it over .


Where did you get the bush from ? The Simon Auto ones are hard as hell and not quite right and a nightmare to fit.Original Renault ones are the best.They are still available,it's just you use the one numbered for the gearstick end.

I got the bush from Stephen, so I assume it's a Renault one.

It is pretty hard but softens a little with a bit heat; placed it in hot water to try and make easier to fit.

But, after another morning of faffing around, I've now taken the bush off the lever and will do as you suggest.
Just need to find a tool to press the bush on as my G clamp broke earlier today.

Washing up liquid on the bush and in the rod.Get a quick clamp type clamp and then press in.The bush will go off tangent/deform but just keep pressure on and hold it till it pops in.Just remember to support the back of the bush when levering over the ball or it's start again ....

[stephendell]

I got the bush from Stephen, so I assume it's a Renault one.

Yes