Gear stick not centralising...

Mike Jones · Sep 5, 2007

On my 300 Tdi I've had a few occassions where I've had trouble finding 3rd and 4th gear, usually ending up going from 3rd to 2nd instead of 4th.
I've noticed that the gearstick does not centralise properly and when in neutral is over to the left. This is obviously the reason for the troubles and I was just wondering what sort of spring mechanism centralises the stick and how easy it is to replace.
I've got used to it although it still catches me out on the odd occassion, but the other half finds it a mare (good excuse for her not to drive it tho eh?)

TheMunster · Sep 5, 2007

Taken from the Ashcoft transmisions website;

When you let go of the gearstick on either the LT77 or the R 380 Discovery boxes the stick will spring to the 3 / 4th gate. This gate position is set by the position of the plate shown here. This gate position must be adjusted correctly to agree with the selectors in the gearbox to ensure a good gearshift. When we rebuild the boxes we set this position but sometimes it needs fine tuning when in the car.

If the shifts to 3rd and 4th are not clean you may want to adjust this plate, to do this first you must drive the vehicle but when shifting into 3 and 4 instead of letting the gearstick go where it wants to go try holding it a little to the left then a little to the right, one way or the other it will drop in nicer. When you have worked this out you can slacken the 4 screws holding the plate and move the plate left or right accordingly to improve the shifts.

Full Ashcroft FAQ here : Ashcroft Transmissions

That also has a picture showing you the plate.

lookskyward1 · Sep 6, 2007

I had this problem, the plate mentioned abobe had cracked. I removed it and welded it up and put it back on, I've had no problems with it since but will buy a new plate if it breaks again.

Mike Jones · Sep 6, 2007

Thanks guys, I'll take a look tomorrow!

moldavite · Sep 7, 2007

link to previous post with same problems

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f8/300-tdi-gear-lever-gate-38465.html

Mike Jones · Sep 12, 2007

lookskyward1 said:
I had this problem, the plate mentioned abobe had cracked. I removed it and welded it up and put it back on, I've had no problems with it since but will buy a new plate if it breaks again.

Finally got round to stripping the console etc out last night. My plate has cracked as suspected. Just ordered a new one at £3.60+VAT and new springs, one at 80p and the other at 75p?!?!?!
How much of a pain is that rubber moulding to get out! 13 rivets to be drilled out. I'm putting it back with self tappers and those clips that get supplied with speakers..... any better ideas?

Mike Jones · Sep 17, 2007

OK, no better ideas so I used the self tappers etc. Worked well.
Fitted the new plate and springs a couple of days ago. What a difference! I now have a precise positive gearchange!
The fact my centre console no longer rattles since re-fitting it is an added bonus

Gear stick not centralising...

Mike Jones

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TheMunster

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lookskyward1

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Mike Jones

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moldavite

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Mike Jones

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Mike Jones

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