ran over post...gear linkage buggered?

Level 5 User Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 110

Today has been a day to forget, first a parking fine (which I will be hotly contesting) and then this rather random sequence of events which has left my car buggered:

My exhaust has been riding low for a while (broken/loose mount i think) and as I entered a mate's drive today they have one of those stop post things that you can have to prevent people driving in or taking your car. anyway, this was down, so as usual drove over it. Next thing I hear the most almighty bang and it is obvious something has hit the post (must be the exhaust). This has left my gear selection almost impossible, with what I can only describe as a metal on metal grinding every time you try to move the stick. The car will drive ok and you can still find the gears but selection takes ages and is very uncomfortable. It must have been quite a heavy impact as the clip that hold the rear and middle exhaust sections together has been torn apart, leaving a big hole (and noise). i'll add it to the list Wink

I will be having a look tomorrow but wanted to check my thoughts with you - the box must be ok as it drives fine. The exhaust must have been pulled back when it hit the post, hitting the gear linkage in the process and bending something? the rod itself looks fine, no scratches or dents, which leads me to think it must be something to do with the stick and the assembly.

wish i'd never got out of bed today Laughing

Level 7 User Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Posts: 230

Well mate shit happens Sad

Probably the exhaust is in the way for the gear linkage or one of the joints might be f*cked could be anything actually, just get underneath and check and let some one move the gearlever in the car and listen to where it's from ... on second thought you can do that yourself when underneath it's very loose.

Good luck mate

Level 5 User Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 110

not an expensive or tricky solution atall...the heat shield from the cat had been bent, thus making the selector grind on it. a bit of work with the hammer and it is fine!