Manual Gearchange - Gearbox linkage

[Andy4200]

Hi,
I recently re-furbished my gearbox end gear linkage, thought some people may be interested. I manged to replace all the bearings in the linkage and the ball joints. I think the total refurb cost was around £30.
I could probably find the info for the bearings I used if required, however they are stamped on the side of the originals so can just be cross referenced.
The gearchange is now fairly light and slick!

 

[GroovyBoovy]

Nice one, did you have to remove the torque tube etc to get to it all?
Rob

 

[Andy4200]

No, it's all accessible without removing anything else, assuming you can get it high enough to work under.

 

[urquattrogus]

That looks like a very satisfying job.

 

[Andy4200]

It was to be honest. I'm a Aerospace design engineer by trade so getting mechanisms moving freely makes me happy. (Nerd alert!)

 

[Nibby]

Good work Andy.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

Looks fantastic, nice work! My 4200 (manual) can be a bit tough going from first into second sometimes, do you think that a similar job to what you've done would potentially resolve that?

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

Oops, forgot to add to above. When going into reverse, I've noticed that sometimes the reversing lights don't come on (which means the reversing sensors don't either). I spotted this part below:

https://www.scuderiacarparts.com/part/197710/maserati/980001109/microswitch-kit.html

Just in the off-chance you know, is this what would be detecting the reverse gear being engaged? I've seen other implementations with a plug going into the gearbox itself, but I've not been under my 4200 yet to see. Thank you

 

[Andy4200]

Your linkage may just need adjustment, something I haven't tried.
Mine was a reasonable change and changing all the bushes just made it a bit lighter and smoother.

The reverse switch should indeed be the one you linked to. If you remove the gearstick gaiter you should be able to access it and change it. Sounds like the plunger on that switch is a bit sticky causing your problem.

 

[Nibby]

Oops, forgot to add to above. When going into reverse, I've noticed that sometimes the reversing lights don't come on (which means the reversing sensors don't either). I spotted this part below:

https://www.scuderiacarparts.com/part/197710/maserati/980001109/microswitch-kit.html

Just in the off-chance you know, is this what would be detecting the reverse gear being engaged? I've seen other implementations with a plug going into the gearbox itself, but I've not been under my 4200 yet to see. Thank you

From my recent experience on working in that area the wires to the reverse switch are very flimsy so might be worth having a jiggle around to see if anything stop starts.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

Your linkage may just need adjustment, something I haven't tried.
Mine was a reasonable change and changing all the bushes just made it a bit lighter and smoother.

The reverse switch should indeed be the one you linked to. If you remove the gearstick gaiter you should be able to access it and change it. Sounds like the plunger on that switch is a bit sticky causing your problem.

From my recent experience on working in that area the wires to the reverse switch are very flimsy so might be worth having a jiggle around to see if anything stop starts.

Thanks both, that's great. Will probably look to do what Andy's done (maybe without replacing bearings though) and see if it maybe helps.

I'll give the switch an inspection too, thanks for clarifying its location. With getting the car recently, I'm still getting used to parking it, the reversing sensors are definitely helpful at the moment!