Gearbox securing cable

[PhilipW1039]

While accessing the speedo pinion drive this morning I finished off my gearbox steady cable. It only had a strand left but now it has none.

Is it okay to drive the car without this intact? Obviously not forever but just while I sort a replacement. Explains the awful judder I sometimes get when reversing.

[geoberni]

Well it wasn't there originally, so I'm sure you'll be OK for a short while.
The manual says it was introduced at Car 264013, so by my rough calculation, that's about half way through Series II production.

[PhilipW1039]

Interesting, thank you. I assumed it was always present! Didn't realise they introduced it later on.

[ManyMinors]

I understood that its main purpose is to stop the engine and gearbox moving forwards - and the fan mashing the radiator - under sudden braking or impact.

[Sleeper]

... or reversing.

John ;-)

[philthehill]

The gearbox steady was an afterthought by BMC and as such they used the three 1/4" UNF bolts holding the steady cable to the gearbox. Those three bolts with their fine threads are not really up to the job. It is better if the 1/4" UNF bolts are discarded, the holes drilled and tapped for 5/16" UNC bolts. The front end of the cable is more secure and reduces the possibility of thread failure by a considerable amount. I have undertaken this modification many times so introducing longevity and security into the three-front steady cable bolts/threads.
You will need to drill out the three holes in the steady cable front mount to allow the 5/16" bolts to pass through.

[simmitc]

And remember, when fitting the new cable. it should NOT be tight, it needs a small amount of slack. Too tight and you get vibration transmitted to the body as the engine and gearbox mounts cannot flex properly. I am not aware that the cable can affect reversing, problems there are more likely to be engine steady bar and/or rear suspension.

[PhilipW1039]

Interesting points, thanks chaps. I have a new cable on order so I'll fit that as you've suggested, and with slack.

Reversing, particularly uphill, can cause the whole car to shake. More revs and more clutch help, but next try is the engine mounts.

[philthehill]

Not slack..................but neutral - no tension - no slack.