Cable change - problem selecting 2/4

[scos]

Hi,
Having some trouble selecting 2nd and 4th on my 16V Cupra.
I did suspect the clutch as I think it is an original one on 120K but when I had a look at the shift mechanism it looks as though the cable that is controlled by the forward/backward motion of the level is too loose. Well it is certainly a lot looser than the other one. When selecting 4th the cable bends and seems to struggle to move the counterweight adequately - is this normal?
I don't know how the extension of the cable is supposed to move the mechanism - is it sprung somewhere?
If I need to access the lever end of the mechanism is it possible from inside the car or do I have to get underneath?
Thanks people. By the way I have searched and found a little info on this but nothing really that helpful

 

[scos]

Pics here:-

http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1303209#post1303209

 

[Jamin Berry]

Im sorry, this is beyond my knowledge. I would assume that its beyond everyone elses that has viewed this, hence no replies from them. Someone might know however.

 

[F2 Stu]

I suspect the bearings in the selector tower shaft have sheered.

You should be able to move the weight around easily by hand (putting it in gear etc)

 

[scos]

Yeah I didn't have any trouble selecting the gears when I moved the weight by hand. Well it was a little tricky going into 2/4 but not really an issue. I don't think there is anything wrong with the actual shift and in fact I've now noticed that I can get 2/4 okay when I'm driving if I shift it in carefully. So I think you could be right. I'm almost convinced that it's a problem at the lever end not the box end. Is it all accessible from inside the car? Going to have a look at it this weekend - I would've just done that in the first place and not bothered you guys but I don't have enough time at weekends these days as I have a young family now. Used to be a forum junky and VW/Seat nut a few years ago but now I have to rely on you guys to save me some time
Thanks.

 

[F2 Stu]

You can access the lever box from inside, but if you got to change the cables you've got to drop the exhuast at the downpipe for access, could be the actual cable thats gone weak at that point - it shouldent bend like that....

 

[scos]

Yeah that's what I thought about the cable bending, it's a pretty thick cable so I guessed the rigidity is supposed to push the lever back. In fact the counteerweight probably engages the gear even though the cable doesn't provide enough momentum.

I feared you were going to say that about the downpipe tho.....

I had to replace some stuff on my mk2 golf gearshift years ago and I managed it without dropping the downpipe, was fiddly but doable. Maybe this'll be a similar story. I'll take a look at the lever box first, I've already started driving around with half the plastic covers removed

Anyway, really appreciate your help stu - think that's given me some pointers for my covert weekend op

Cheers,
Scott

 

[F2 Stu]

NP, Have fun