Noise from gearstick knob

[Andrew S]

Another petty problem that I would like to get rid of as it bugs me whilst driving.

I have a MK2 manual overdrive

Whilst on the move only, I get sort of hissing or from the gear stick cap and when I gentlyputmy hand onthe cap it goes.I replaced the gearstick anti rattle plunger and spring and checked recently that it was still there. It sounds like air being blown through the cap and out throughthe switch hole. I took the over cap switch off and there is nothing loose in there and have even squirted electrical cleaner inside so that I know all parts are moving and are in place.

You can just about hear the noise when open top but with top up, its annoying as having a leaf caught in the air vent.

I have noticed this weekend that the gearstick rubber gaiter is worn in the middle and maybe air is being forced up into the gearstick trim. Cant see how it could get to the cap unless it goes in where the switch wires feed in through to the top

Anyone else have this or any suggestions appreciated

Cheers

Andrew

[PaulT]

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I would put an old pair of socks over the gearknob - would keep your hands warm as well as you change up

[Andrew S]

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Paul, I think you need help

[whereufromnosecity]

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Andrew

Ihave the sameannoying hissing soundon mine but only when the o/d switch is in the off position, never got round to investigating further due to all the otherjobs that need doing, but i will have look at it this weekand post any findings.

Stuart

[Andrew S]

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Hi Stuart

That's an interesting point, I have not tested or listened to it without the overdrive engaged. I did however buy another switch, just in case there was a problem.

My only thoughts are that air passes through the switch and creates the hiss or maybe, the roller or ball inside the switch rattles at a certain point in time

[GDPR]

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My Dolomite Sprints used to make the same noise when the gearbox was getting a bit tired - it was I believe high frequency gear noise - not helped if the gear linkage bushes were a bit slack

Russ:dude:

[tonypy1]

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My overdrive gear cap "zings" at higher revs - I replaced the anti rattle plunger but it's still there. I'm just wondering if the replacement caps don't fit quite right or perhaps new engine mounts might reduce the vibration above 3,500 rpm? In the meantime, I might try a bodge with some silicon rubber.

[Gresley]

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My gear lever makes exactly this noise, but only when overdrive is engaged. as Andrew says, if I touch it the noise vanishes. I'd love to find a cure as it is annoying. The strange thibng is I can't find anything wrong:X

Brian

[redstag]

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I think Kryten is right that it is gear box noise being transmitted up the gearlever.

The gear knob and capseem to amplify the noise. Try packing the cap with something like blutac to dampen the noise - it made mine a lot quieter. Make sure you don't stop the switch working though. Cheaper than a gearbox rebuild as well.

Pete

[Bob Heritage]

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Sssssssssssssssid gets everywhere

[Andrew S]

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I like the idea bout Blu Tac, could try it. The noise isn't that loud, its just a hiss as described.With the plunger and spring, I would have thought that this would have sorted most of it and with it being a rebuilt gearbox, it must be the cap / knob.

I will try it in overdrive and without and see if that makes any difference and then resort to the Blu Tac.

At least I am not theonly one

Cheers

Andrew

[DJT]

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redstag wrote:

Try packing the cap with something like blutac to dampen the noise - it made mine a lot quieter. Make sure you don't stop the switch working though. Cheaper than a gearbox rebuild as well.

Then post again under 'Bodges!'

Personally I found that plenty of grease around the anti-rattle plunger and spring, as well as on all contact surfaces quietened things down. Including under the securing cap.

Have you adjusted the two pins (156408) on either side of the gearlever? Theseshould be adjusted to take up any slack with the gearlever at maximum east-west positions. Again, plenty of grease where they contact the gearlever. Rimmers picture only shows one, but ISTR that there are actually two.

Dave

[Andrew S]

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Thanks David

I can see where you are coming from and as I have to replace the gearstick rubber gaiter as mine is very elongated and letting air through, then Iwill get the grease tub out and look at the side pins. I suppose the bestway of adjusting the side pins is to put the car in say 2nd anddo the right pin, then in 4th to do the other.

I was wondering if there was any play inside theswitch itself when activated. In other words, if any grease that would be an electrical conductor could be applied to stop the roller ball or whatever it is rattling. Sealed unit....mmmm not sure

Thanks

Andrew

[redstag]

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DJT wrote:

redstag wrote:

Try packing the cap with something like blutac to dampen the noise - it made mine a lot quieter. Make sure you don't stop the switch working though. Cheaper than a gearbox rebuild as well.

Then post again under 'Bodges!'

Personally I found that plenty of grease around the anti-rattle plunger and spring, as well as on all contact surfaces quietened things down. Including under the securing cap.

Have you adjusted the two pins (156408) on either side of the gearlever? Theseshould be adjusted to take up any slack with the gearlever at maximum east-west positions. Again, plenty of grease where they contact the gearlever. Rimmers picture only shows one, but ISTR that there are actually two.

Dave

Trouble is Dave, after 24 years of ownership the only bodges you find are your own

There are two adjuster pins, but you may find on some cars they are just special bolts that you can't really adjust.

Pete

[DJT]

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redstag wrote:

Trouble is Dave, after 24 years of ownership the only bodges you find are your own

Know what you mean Pete. Often wonder what the new owner of my old white Stag has uncovered after I had it for over 18 years :shock:. Luckily he is in Northern Ireland, so too far away to come calling .

Dave