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MG MGB Technical - Noisy gear stick

This has probably been covered before, so apologies in advance...
My 75 B has developed a rattly noise from the gear stick at around 2500-3000 rpm. I remember reading somehting about a quick fix...any one got suggestions,please?
Bob (aka The Blue Max)

Could well be the nylon bush where the bobble on the lever goes into the sticks in the box worn through or missing - about 50p. I found I had to fit a new one onto the lever then chamfer the bottom edges before it went into the sticks. Without that it would not go in, and if I fitted into the sticks first it was pushed out of the bottom when inserting the lever.
Paul Hunt

Thanks,Paul...I think that this is along the lines of what I had read many months ago. How much disassembling did you need to do - ? Tunnel console off to access etc??
Bob (aka The Blue Max)

Bob,

No- just take out the four screws on the gaiter suround and lift the gaiter up to access the three bolts holding the gearlever retaining ring underneath.

Don't lose the double spring (thackery) washers. Just pull the gearlever upwards and don't lose the little brass tube on a spring which lurks at the back of the mounting ( if it is there!)

The nylon bush should come out with the lever - the new one just snaps on and assembly is the reverse of removal!!!
Chris Betson

Sometimes it's the actual gear lever knobs themselves. I cannot explain it, but if the noise is still there try a different knob if you have one, or none at all. You may end up as suprised as I was. The newer knobs with the aluminum threads seem to wear down, and after a few years they vibrate causing a rattling noise at certain RPM's.
J Arthurs

Bob. Do you have the three piece "triumph style" gear shift lever or the MG single piece unit? I have found the three piece unit, a base with a stub sticking up, a rubber bonding piece, and the upper assembly, can become de-laminated. With the single piece unit, look at both the plastic cup that fits on the bottom and the "anti-rattle spring and plunger" to make sure they are there. With the later model, at least on North America Spec cars, the three piece shifter can de-laminate. Depending on how severe this is, it can cause a noise problem. The "triumph style" gear shift know can also loosen. It has a special slotted nut which must be tightened with a special tool. If the knob is loose, that may be your problem. As Chris notes, the removal of the four screws holding down the oval ring and gaiter, followed by the three screws with spring washers allows removal of the shifter from the tranny. Many times the plastic piece remains with the tranny. Check to make sure that it is not stuck in the rear extension before replacing with a new one. Les
Les Bengtson

Make sure you have the little spring loaded copper piece (dampen plunger) that rides against the side of the shifter base. My shifter was rattling even after I replaced the plastic bushing, that's when I figured out I didnt have the little plunger piece.
william fox

Thanks for all the help, guys...I have the one piece stick, and have tried removing the gear knob - noise is still there, so I guess the next step is to carry out procedure clearly outlined. Sun is shining today so good opportunity to do road tests(!), so will wait until Sunday when rain is predicted to carru out the work. Thanks again to all who have contributed
Bob (aka The Blue Max)

It can also be the weight of the gear knob. If youve got an aftermarket one try putting the stock one back on. Its heavier so stops the stick chattering as much.

Worth a try if it dont cost you anything anyway
Paul

This thread was discussed between 18/10/2002 and 19/10/2002

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