Difficulty selecting reverse gear.

[CORKY]

It is difficult to engage reverse gear on my 2001 MGF. I'm aware that there is no synchromesh on reverse and that this difficulty is well-known to MGF owners - but mine often baulks me five or six times before engaging. Would renewing one (or both) gear selector cables go a long way towards helping? Do they stretch over time, or start slowly breaking up?

One thing I know - they aren't cheap!

(Unless some of course knows of a cheap source!)

[John SS]

Changing the gearbox oil gave me a remarkable improvement in gear selection.

[CORKY]

Hi John SS. Yes, I have changed the gearbox oil, it did result in a slight improvement. But I think the problem with reverse is the longer of the two selector cables, gone bad at the gearbox end. I understand there are repair kits available. Anyone know which kit is best?

[CORKY]

Bought a selector cable repair kit from mg-obsession-2013 described as 'Genuine MG Rover Kit' - fitted the gearbox end (both attachments at the gear lever end seem OK) and can now select reverse with no problem at all.

[talkingcars]

1) have you got the correct gearbox fluid.

2) when selecting reverse go into natural and lift the clutch, then clutch down and into reverse. Also don't rush it.

[CORKY]

Drained gearbox and refilled with 75W90 - plus fitted selector cable kit. Goes into reverse easily now, but I will follow your instructions - neutral - lift clutch - clutch down - into reverse. Taking it fairly slowly - this will probably extend the life of the cable repair. I understand that there is no 'reverse gear' as such - it is first gear working in reverse.