Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi All
My gearbox on my 68 traveler works fine in that all gears locate and change with no issues and there is little or no noise
Other than the normal first gear whine.
However, when slowing in second gear it has a tendency to jump out of gear. Without putting any pressure on the selector I can stop this happening with the gentlest of back pressure on the gear stick.
I can feel a little movement on the gear stick and am wondering if it is knocking its self out of her on the rubber boot etc?
To note, I see that the steady wire has broken at one time (seen when doing the master cylinder, didn't know what it was!)
I have changed the front engine mounts when I did the timing chain, so getting to the question, at last!
Could the fore and aft rocking be knocking it out of gear?
I will replace the wire anyway to find out but not planning to order any parts as yet.

Thanks in advance
Kevin (iford)

Unfortunately that's not going to be the steady wire, unless the gearbox is really moving about.

That's a sure sign of wear in the gearbox, it was 2nd that went on my old Marina years ago, seem to remember that was the baulk rings etc worn.

As above - but you should renew the wire anyway - maybe it will help! The answer of course is to NOT slow down in 2nd gear... slow in 3rd if you must... But the BRAKES are for slowing and GEARS are for going!

I think that is what's taught in driving schools nowadays. Once both methods were considered correct for slowing,

There are spring detents hidden behind the side cover plate. One of these may have relaxed causing it to pop out of gear.

Nothing wrong with changing down while you brake. You're in the right gear when you need to accelerate then.

Except when the gearbox is worn and jumping out of gear! Sadly - it will be more than the detents.....badly worn 2nd gear syncro hub probably......and/or main shaft bearings. Holding in just wears the hell out of the selector fork.....

Brake linings are cheaper and easier to replace than gearbox's

And a bike is cheaper and easier to fix than a car

Most wear is done on a clutch when pulling away. Changing down a gear when braking at the right engine revs has very little effect on clutch wear.

I heard somewhere that you should descend a hill in the same gear that you would climb it
When I am descending a hill with the trailer on my Series MM with 7 in brakes all round I will be using the brakes, gears and both hands bending the steering wheel!!!

ng Guys
Thanks for the responses so far. It seems the steady wire is not the cause but won't be helping.
Just to say I am not using the gears as brakes its just that if I am at a second gear speed about to turn for instance taking the foot of the gas will make it jump out, also I am not puting any pressure on the stick to wear the selectors just tip of little finger does it.
Anyway, it would confirm that the box will come out later in the year to see what is worn. (Little experience with gearboxes so a picture or two)

I will take this opportunity to say what a good forum this is with mainly informative replies.

Cheers

You'll just need to adjust your driving style meantime - to avoid it jumping out, or the need to hold it in... the more it jumps out, the worse it will get.