The MGF Register Forums

I bought an 04 TF yesterday, its been well maintained but has only been travelling 1-2k a year for the last few years. The gear stick is very stiff, could this be cables, can they be lubricated , or should I look elsewhere ?

This has come up a few times over the years. It's worth using the Search feature on this forum and also checking the How Tos on the other.

Notanumber's reply is advice well worth following, but IMO, there are 4 possible reasons for a stiff gearchange:
1. Dirt entering the gear linkages and swivels near the gearbox. The gaiters on mine had failed (see first picture) and the swivel joints had black, filthy grease/dirt mix. 2. Wear or misalignment problems at gearlever end. Not tackled this area myself, but Mike Satur does an improved set-up for that area.
3. Very old gearbox oil and/or lack of sufficient gearbox oil. I changed mine and gear shifting was much better as a result. Unless you are SURE this has been done in the last couple of years, it is overdue for a change anyway. I think MG Rover recommended gearbox oil change every 7 years??
4. A failing/frayed gearbox cable, which is binding in it's sleeve. Quite difficult to change apparently, unless the subframe & engine are out, because they go through a bulkhead just in front of the subframe. If you pop the swivels off, it is easy to then check the freedom/or level of friction in these cables. Swivels go back on after cleaning & new Lithium grease, quite easily. The swivels can be unscrewed and cleaned after they are popped off the ball. If you find proper rose joints at the gearbox end, someone has already fitted the other Mike Satur gear-change mod.