Is it possible to lubricate the shift action of the lever?

Hi,
My shifter on a series 3 gearbox is a bit stiff. Is it a case of lubing the base of the shifter?
Cheers
Toby

Could be.

If you push directly down on the shift lever it will move downward in the socket and you could get some lithium grease spray or the like in there (or garage door wheel lube with graphite - which is becoming my go-to for casual work like this).

Alan.

There's a lot of things it could be. Is it stiff in neutral - if so the gearstick base could just need greasing which is fairly easy.

If you mean it is stiff going into gear it could be your clutch is dragging - check clutch fluid level. If it has ever run out it will need bleeding which is a right pain in the arse!

Next to look at will be the selector sliders and levers - that means taking up the floor and taking the lid off the gearbox. I'd download the workshop manual and have a look to see what's what.

There's loads of things it could be - a better description of the symptoms would help.

Check the little grub screw in the side of the ball/base housing. This also locates the gearstick and may be overtightened. Mine kept on working loose so I ended up fitting a set screw and a locknut.

Easy enough to remove the stick assembly, just four bolts after removing the tunnel cover. Then you'll be able to see what's going on better. I took mine apart, cleaned, the reassembled with grease.