I got my clutch replaced today and have literally just picked the car up from the garage and run it home.

 

The problem I have is that the gearstick is now sitting 2 inches to the left of where it did originally and therefore the gear position is now too far forward and left. I'm 6 foot but like to sit nice and far back, but on the way home there I had to bring the seat forward just to be reaching, without stretching for 1st 3rd and 5th. I kept catching my fingers against the clock, so that give you an idea of how far it is forward.

 

I mentioned this to the garage but they said they have checked the position and the bolts and everything was as it should be and therefore did not present a problem.

 

The car is running great, there are no problems with the selection or clutch now, simply me being too keen maybe!?

 

Has anybody else experienced this shift of gears after clutch replacement and if so what caused it and can it be fixed?

 

Any help much appreciated.

 

G

They have definately put it back together wrong mate! It should be exactly where it was before. Go back and insist they put it back as it was.

Cheers Mike

 

What would cause it to go out of alignment like that though? When I take it back I don't want to sound like a I am whinging just for the sake of a couple of inches (though the wife does regularly - must remember to hold back!).

 

If anybody can suggest a reason behind the lateral shift it would be most appreciated.

 

Thanks

There's an A shaped arm on the bottom of the gearstick assembly - thats bolted with 4 10mm(head) bolts. My bet is that its only got 2 bolts in it and has the rear bolts through the front holes - if that makes sense?

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Can I access this myself as opposed to having to take it 60 miles round trip? i.e. can I get to it by removing the centre console over the transmission?

Can I access this myself as opposed to having to take it 60 miles round trip? i.e. can I get to it by removing the centre console over the transmission?

You can see it all from underneath. No need to remove anything, you just need access to the underside of the car. It should all be pretty apparent where everything's meant to go if you can get under there.

Erm, the exhaust heat shield may well be in the way - can't remember how far forwards it extends????

Mike, this ones got me a bit - do you reckon my suggestion is feasible???

I've no idea! What's definate is it hasn't been fitted at all right. And no matter what they say, they've cocked up and need to put it right.

 

I suppose if the rear gearbox mount wasn't fitted correctly and the gearbox was suspended below its normal place, that would move the control rod's position, and thereby the gearstick. That doesn't sound very feasible though. You'd have to be a right ar5e to get that wrong.

 

You're suggestion about the support bracket bolts sounds good but that would only explain why the stick had moved forwards. He also says it's shifted over to the left.

 

It's my bet they haven't even attached the support bracket and the gearstick's now pivoting on part of the bodywork or something similar. Does it appear to have a longer travel along any of its axes now, or greater play when you wiggle it?

 

I know what you mean about the heatshield though, never thought about that. I think you're right and the front end would obscure the control rod.

Take it back, make the Ba***rds put it right and pay for your travel and time costs, there's far to much of this shoddy work going on, if these garages aren't competent to work on the Zed they should bloody well say so and leave well alone, that said, removing the manual box on the Zed is hardly rocket science!! Probably shouldn't even be working as mechanics if they get that wrong!!

 

If they won't play threaten them with trading standards and an inspection and report from a reputable Zed specialist to confirm incorrect fitment

 

Paul N

Take it back, make the Ba***rds put it right and pay for your travel and time costs, there's far to much of this shoddy work going on, if these garages aren't competent to work on the Zed they should bloody well say so and leave well alone, that said, removing the manual box on the Zed is hardly rocket science!! Probably shouldn't even be working as mechanics if they get that wrong!!

 

If they won't play threaten them with trading standards and an inspection and report from a reputable Zed specialist to confirm incorrect fitment

 

Paul N

 

 

HEAR HEAR

Don't take no shoddy workmanship from anyone, you pays good money for your zed to be competently fixed,

 

You EXPECT good customer service and somebody that knows what they are doing :mad: That is basic customer /trader/garage/bodyshop relations

 

(gets off box, vent over )

Thanks for all your input people.

 

Paul...chill man, it's cool, but thanks for your empathy.

 

I phoned the garage this morning and the guy was totally fine about it, apologised and said bring it back anytime. Straight out went I and it was put right in 10 minutes.

 

Apparently, the gear lever had rotated and been pinned on back to front so the slight bend in it was causing it to sit the wrong way round. Does that make sense?

 

I am pleased because the place I take the car are top lads and I would have been gutted to have to argue a fix out of them.

 

Thanks again

 

G

Sorry, but I get wound up, too many bad service issues, screw ups done to my cars in the past!!!!

 

I'll try to chill out!!

 

Paul N