Sloppy gear lever and stretched wires

[BubbyBoyUK]

The gear lever on my Renault Master is very sloppy - a bit like stirring a rice pudding. Being a 1998 model, the long gear lever is floor mounted.
The positive side is that there's no problem in engaging the 5 forward gears and the box seems nice and smooth. I believe that it may be possible to reduce the sloppiness by changing some parts in the upper linkage. I'd get an experience mechanic to do this - I wouldn't attempt the job myself. Has any member had experience of this?
I assume that the lever/gear box wires (there are two) are the originals, and for that reason have almost certainly stretched over time. Assuming this to be the case, I'd like to know what negative effect, stretched gear change wires may have. I'd like a general opinion on this please.
My next issue is related to engaging reverse. To engage reverse, it's neutral, right and then back. The previous owner fitted sports seats, which, whilst very comfortable are considerably wider than the original ones. In consequence, engaging reverse is only possible if, when pulling the lever back, it's forced hard against the side of the drivers protruding seat. I'm planning to get the gear lever 'remodelled', with a significant 'cant' to the left, to bring it away from the edge of the seat - has anyone else had this problem? I'd be pleased to hear how any member with a similar experience resolved this issue.

Thanks - all have a great Christmas and 2022.

 

[Gromett]

I believe artona had this issue early on with his van?

 

[Jamesh]

Does this relate to the other wire thread.....?!

 

[jockaneezer]

There's often a nylon "cup and ball" mechanism which allows the gear stick to "swivel" in all directions or sometimes a "ball and fork" mechanism, both of which will wear out over time and can cause selection problems. You might be able to see the cup and ball socket if you lift up the gaiter around the base of the gear lever, the ball and fork might only be visible from underneath the vehicle. Either way, is there any free play when you wiggle the gear stick ?
Son's Iveco was a devil to get into gear and it was the nylon ball and socket unit that was worn. I did a temporary repair by wedging some strips of plastic strapping between the "cup" section and it's housing, which tightened the cup's grip on the ball (had to give it a little spray with aerosol grease as it was a bit too tight) and it's been fine ever since.

 

[BubbyBoyUK]

Hi Jockaneezer - thanks very much, you've given just the info I needed. Great photo - a picture says a 1000 words! I'll be getting the mechanic to sort it more permanently and probably change the two cables at the same time. The 'female' thingy at the end of the fore and aft cable came off the male part the other day - RAC chap recommended changing both cables.

Have a great Christmas and 2022

Mike

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[artona]

I believe artona had this issue early on with his van?

We did have an issue, and the garage took the selector off and greased the bearings and all was well