EdupradaThe gearbox linkage is the control system that transmits gestures made on the lever inside the gearbox. Today it typically operates with cables, but there are still wheelhouse linkages that use metal rods.
What is the gearbox linkage for?
The gearbox is used to change gears in order to increase the power of the engine which is transmitted to the wheels. It can be manual or automatic, but in both cases it has a gear lever. With a manual transmission, it’s up to you to select the gear.
With an automatic gearbox, you have fewer positions on the lever, used to activate forward, reverse or even the parking position. The gears shift automatically, without a clutch pedal or action on the lever.
Whether your transmission is manual or automatic, most vehicles have a mechanical control system, although electrical controls start to appear. This control system is called the gearbox linkage.
The linkage forms the link between the gear lever and the box to transmit the driver’s gestures on the lever inside the box. It is made up of cables or metal rods, the rods which give it its name:
- The gear shift bar;
- The gear selection bar.
There are in fact different gearbox linkages. If today the control phases are carried out using cables and selection rods, older cars can be equipped with ;a control system by wheelhouse with metal levers and ball joints. This system requires more maintenance than cables.
What are the symptoms of an out of order gearbox linkage?
On cable gearbox linkages, there is no problem of ball joint wear and no need for lubrication. On the other hand, the ducts sometimes need to be checked. If your system operates with a metal linkage, the links and ball joints must be replaced quite frequently.
In both cases, a problem with a broken or worn gearbox linkage results in the same symptoms:
- Difficulty shifting gears;
- Play in the gearbox lever;
- A gearbox squeal – but no crunch.
A problem with the gearbox linkage therefore mainly results in a soft lever that moves in all directions and gears that are hard to shift, or even do not shift at all.
How to repair the gearbox linkage?
The linkages of gearbox to linkage must undergo fairly frequent maintenance due to the exposure of the system. Thus, the rods and ball joints must be replaced periodically, the cost of this operation being 40 € approximately.
Newer cable linkages do not need such maintenance although it is a good idea to check the condition of the cables’ Teflon jackets from time to time. However, hard shifting gears may indicate that the linkage is broken or bent.
In this case, it is possible to repair the gearbox linkage by changing the cables and/or the links. It will not be necessary to change the entire gearbox nor its lever.
How to change the gearbox linkage?
If gears are hard to shift, the linkage may be the cause. But changing a gearbox linkage depends a lot from car to car, as not all have the same control system. It is therefore easier to work on a cable linkage than a wheelhouse.
Material :
- Toolbox
- New linkage
Step 1: Assemble the vehicle
Using a jack, raise the front wheels of the car until they are no longer touching the ground and place jack stands to secure it. You will thus be able to access the rods, which are located under the engine, between the passenger compartment and the gearbox.
Step 2: Disassemble the gearbox
Remove the rods with a key: there are generally between one and three. In the passenger compartment of the car, remove the cover of the gearbox lever as well as the one below. This frees up access to the cables, which are attached to the gear lever bracket with clips. Remove the assembly as well as the lever and its support, held by four screws.
Step 3: Mount the new linkage
Once the gearbox linkage has been removed, you will be able to replace it. Be careful with the cables though, as they are not interchangeable. Proceed with reassembly in the opposite direction, remembering to change the rods.
How much does a gearbox linkage cost?
The price of a gearbox linkage depends on the type of system it is. You can replace the cables of a linkage for 75 to 100 €. The price of a selection rod is €30 approximately.
Changing your linkage in the garage will require between 30 minutes and 2 hours of labor depending on the system and the operation. Allow for a price for changing the gearbox linkage ranging from 100 to 150 €.
Now you know everything about the gearbox linkage! As you have understood, it is often responsible for difficult gear shifting. In this case there is no need to replace the box, which is an expensive intervention. Changing the linkage should be enough to get your car back into good shape.