HELP! A140 Gearbox problem

[Kaiman]

I have a 1999 A140. The engine goes fine, but it has a gearbox fault. More often than not, I cannot change to 1st, 3rd or 5th. It just wont go into gear.

I have to try to force it back into 1st which seems to free up the 3rd and 5th again, alternatively I can sort of wiggle it a bit until it goes into 3rd. Its very annoying and just a bit dangerous at higher speeds.

My mechanic is reluctant to touch it without having some clues, when he drove it, it worked fine. It does run OK sometimes.

Any pointers I can give him would be much appreciated. And a rough guestimate on costs would also help.

 

[mattkh]

Hi
What is the mileage ?
Where are you ?
Try changing the gearbox oil, cheapest option first.

 

[Kaiman]

Only 45000miles.
I am based in Yeovil, Somerset.

 

[Geoffrey]

Can't do better than recommend Lofty's site
http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.59.htm - he'll have the answer

Geoff

 

[Kaiman]

Thanks for that. I have it booked in tomorrow, but will check the linkages first. That is a very useful site.

 

[Kaiman]

THANKYOU!!

I checked the ball joint. It was missing. Bought one today for £2.75 + VAT
Problem fixed. Fortunes Saved. I can now feed my family and keep saving for the next fault.

God bless this forum and all who sail in her. (And Lofty. A ledgend, in my house)

 

[mattkh]

THANKYOU!!I checked the ball joint. It was missing.

Well done. Is this ball joint a 3 inch long plastic link which sits under the windscreen wash bottle ? How did the old one come off ?

 

[Kaiman]

Its a two inch plastic connector which has a hole for a ball joint on each end. You can see it about half way down this page.

http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/mypage.59.htm

I bought the car about a month ago and it had recently had some sort of accident, the front passenger wing has some light damage. I am guessing it might have been knocked out by the impact. After I moved the unlinked arm this morning, before I went out to buy the part, the gears were working fine again, so it is possible to drive the car without this joint, somehow. Gearbox is now good as new.

I'm happy, my wife is happy, the only person who isnt happy is probably my mechanic. Long live D.I.Y.