unidentified wires on the back of the gearbox

Post by **kangarolf** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 8:57 pm

Hi,
I was under the morris today replceing some bushes and I noticed on the underside of the gearbox the end of a wire dangling and screwed onto the gearbox housing. Its not an electrical wire but is a twisted metal wire like a brake cable almost. Couldnt find anything similar in the Haynes manual. Any one got any ideas what it might have been for..?

Cheers for any ideas
Rolf

Post by **Alec** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:09 pm

Hello Kangarolf,
it is a restrainer for the gearbox, the other end has a screwed stud and this should be bolted to the gearbox crossmember. You may find the remains still in place if you look.
Alec

Post by **kangarolf** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:32 pm

Thanks for the quick reply.

Is it there simply to stop movement of the gearbox..? Or is it restraining something else..?

Thanks again
Rolf

Post by **Alec** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:46 pm

Hello Rolf,
it looks as if it is to stop the engine\gearbox going forward when you brake (hard?). I have never seen any other car with it. Replacements should be available from any specialist.

Alec

Post by **aupickup** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:56 pm

the gearbox steady cable is there to stop the engine moving to far forward under heavy braking !!!!!!!!!!!!!
so therefore stopping the fan hitting the radiator

Post by **kangarolf** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:59 pm

well in that case I had better get a new one sorted! Dont want the engine flying out the radiator grill at the zebra crossing..

rolf

Post by **aupickup** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:04 pm

hi
any morris minor shop sells them new

Post by **57traveller** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:06 am

When you fit the new steady cable only tighten sufficiently to remove the slack, don't subject it to any tension.

Post by **kangarolf** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:07 am

thanks for all the help and tips....invaluable.

Rolf

Post by **vulcan72** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:56 pm

IS THIS IT?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 00032&rd=1

Post by **Kevin** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 7:32 am

Thats it normally around £4 from the specialists

Post by **Willie** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 7:48 pm

ALEC, this type of gearbox steady wire was also fitted to early MGBs
and, when I left it off of my 1964 model it allowed the lump to move
forward enough when going downhill to cause the gearbox to jump
out of engagement in 3rd gear! ( The gearlever hit the edge of the
hole in the floor)!