Linkage bushing replacement DIY

[ljs330i]

Does anyone have a DIY document for replacing the shift linkage bushings? I have an 81' Zagato that won't go into reverse.

Larry

[Pope1]

Have you managed to get hold of a repair kit? Got some instructions with my kit but I'm not sure where they are now. Let me know what stage you're at and I'll try to help. I have my engine and gearbox out of the car at the moment so it's easy for me to go and have a look at what goes where.

[ljs330i]

I still have to buy a kit. I just wanted to find a DIY so that I would know how to get at the linkages. I'd like to inspect them first.

Description of the problem:
When you push in/down the shifter and attempt to put the car in reverse the shifter feels like it "pops" over into nuteral.

Larry

[Pope1]

Larry, I haven't figured out enough about how the linkage works to tell you which part to check first so what I'd suggest is this. Start at the very front where there should be a small stay rod at the end of the front control rod (that's the big one that attaches to the lever that does the majority of the work). Check that the stay rod is still attached at both ends and work your way back towards the bulkhead. There are a number of ball and socket joints in the linkage and it's usually the plastic sockets that get brittle with age. I suspect that one of those has fallen out altogether and the ball is just loose in the socket housing. You'll probably find that all of them are worn and on the way out. If you can't see what is going on very easily, remove the battery and the battery holder and you should be able to have a good look at all the linkage components in the engine bay.

When it comes to repairing the joints, I removed everything except for the idler and the rest of the linkage inside the car itself. I fixed the joints on the bench using a repair kit and then put everything back. That meant getting under the car to re-attach the joints around the idler so if you plan to put the car on ramps, do that first before you remove the linkage :wink:. It's all pretty straightforward, but it does require a reasonable amount of force to get the ball and socket joints fitted together. A clamp or some mole grips (locking pliers) together with some synthetic grease will probably be required. That's about all I can suggest. Shout again if you have more specific questions.

[Shane Taylor]

Here is my link from BetaBoyz, hope this helps :-

http://uk.msnusers.com/BetaBoyz/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=2051&LastModified=4675500526359187746

regards,
Shane(SportyBeta) :D

[Pope1]

Shane, I think that the Citroen stuff may be difficult for the folks in the US to get hold of. The John Montgommery kit is supposed to be designed for the Beta and apparently comes with everything including an adjustable short rod. For those of us with easy access to parts from Europe, the Citroen stuff is well worth knowing about though.

[Shane Taylor]

Maybe Pope1, but at around $22-$25AUD each, it is a cheap alternative, and is iasy to install yourself...

[Pope1]

I agree with you 100% Shane. Don't get me wrong, I think that it's an excellent option and we need much more of this kind of information to be published. It may just involve some extra effort for the US folks to get hold of Citroen stuff that's all.