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MG MGB Technical - Weird gearshift knob noise

My MGB has a strange noise coming from the gearshift knob itself, not the gearshift, but the actual knob...but only when you hold it to shift gears. There is no noise if I shift droping my hand and using the gearshift itself.
The noise is an odd evil air sound,

I have removed the knob, cleaned it and have done everything I can think of to rid the noise.

FYI...the knob is a black leather one with the MG crest on top.

Any suggestions????

Thanks.
Kim

Kim;
Try lightly tapping the imbedded emblem to see if you can tell if it rattles or makes a noise. I had a knob on my Ford F150 that had an emblem insert that buzzed. I pryed it out & put some silicone gasket sealer behind, and that stopped the noise. Also check the threaded insert to be sure it is tight, that could make noise too if loose.
I just reread your post, and it occured to me that if I hold my shifter on my 76B, I can hear noise similar to what you describe, a light metal scraping sound. I think it comes from the shifter forks rubbing in their grooves, and transmits the sound thru the shifter.
Pete H.
Pete Haburt

It's over 30 years since I had an 1800 B with a standard box - so my memory may be defective.

However I seem to remember that the B gearbox has a "cup" washer at the base of the gearlever.

I seem to remember that if this cracks it generates a hissing noise under the circumstances you describe.

Hopefully someone with more recent experience may be able to confirm.

NJSS
Nigel Steward

I can't stop smiling as I read this!! 34 Years ago I noticed the same thing - it doesn't mean anything!

They all transit noise up the gear lever, that is why some of the later all synchro gear boxes have a lever with a rubber joint half way up. This this to minimise the noise.

You don't say which model your MGB is, but on the all synchro gearboxes the original round knob makes the least noise!!

cheers
Ian G Buckley

30 years ago my wife (Pussy) had a B (Pussy's)which we used to make purr by alternately squeezing and releasing the leather gear knob - it was a very pleasing sound for those who like cats!

Chris
chris

Kim, check for the nylon bushing at the bottom of the shift lever. If it is OK, then the noise usually comes from the knob. Take the knob off, put some silicone sealer inside it and screw it back on. Allow the silicone to set up before using the car again. This should dampen the vibration and prevent the knob from buzzing against the lever.
John Hubbard

Kim,

In addition to John's suggestion, I have found that wrapping a few layers of teflon thread tape (the kind used on plumbing fixtures) on the shift lever before putting the knob back on also helps to deaden the vibration.
Steven Rechter


I noticed the same thing when I first got my B. I think that the noise is caused by vibrations from the transmission.

You only hear it when you put your hand next to the gear lever because it is reflecting the noise towawrds you.

Its a bit odd but part of the character of the car!
Mark

This thread was discussed between 01/12/2002 and 02/12/2002

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