Sprinter gearbox problem - any knowledge please? (1 Viewer)

[Rapido925M]

At the start of November I suddenly lost the ability to change gear (manual: 2002). "My" garage eventually diagnosed this as due to the gear cable sheath being attached to the gearbox with plastic ties, which had come disconnected. Instead of moving the gear selectors, moving the gear lever simply moved the outer sheath. They have manufactured a metal bracket and fastened the cable securely at a cost of just over £100,

13 months ago a different garage ("we specialise in Mercedes and have thirty years experience, with a reputation for high standards") did some work involving removing the engine and gearbox. Since then I'd only covered 2k miles. They now tell me that this was the authentic method for attaching the cable. It seems like BS to me and I told them that I'd had the vehicle for 13y and covered 50k miles with no previous difficulty.

However, to add to the complexity of the financial situation, the Mercedes garage has ceased trading and the premises has been taken over by a different company (with a remarkably similar name), who offer exactly the same services provided by the same staff. I know that they will not pay my costs, so I must just suck that up. BUT are they telling me the truth about the connection? Any knowledge of this gearbox gratefully received.

TIA - Gordon

 

[gus-lopez]

EuroTrotters might have an idea?

 

[paddymcc]

I have the same gearbox (2005 manual with 2.7L engine), I'm not mechanical but if you have a photo I might be able to tell if mine is the same?

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[Rapido925M]

Unfortunately the photo which my garage sent was via “share.vodaphone” and it has expired. If I’d known about that I would have saved it.

I shall see if they can send it again but basically there was a black sheath with a larger black cylinder, with a narrow groove. IMO this groove should be anchored in a U-shaped prong which was adjacent but it was fastened to one arm with a black “electrician” tie. This had come loose. My garage has fabricated a metal plate and welded it to the gearbox with the sheath clamped into it.

Gordon

 

[EuroTrotters]

I can picture it in my mind, I’ve been close up to a few. But can’t recall the retainers.

I’ll see what I can find

 

[EuroTrotters]

EuroTrotters might have an idea?

I can picture it in my mind, I’ve been close up to a few. But can’t recall the retainers.

I’ll see what I can find.

I can load some images up from STAR discs

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[EuroTrotters]

I have looked and seen what I remember as being large metal u clamps that held it against the bell housing.

But I need some photos from the OP to see the issue .

 

[Steve and Denise]

From what you say it’s BS no one holds an end of a Bowden cable with a cable tie, but can’t imagine they welded a bracket to the gear box either (two different garages)
Sounds like one winged it and the other made a L bracket and bolted it on to do the job properly, simple enough if you know what you are doing.
Sounds like you went to a dodgy garage in the first place.