1st & REVERSE GEARS

[puck304]

Hi, I've started having problems with 1st & reverse, in that you have to hold reverse in with the gearstick or it pops out, and 1st has just started to pop out as well! Any one able to shed any light? 

[Rusty's Uncle]

I hate to say it but in my experience you are almost certainly looking at a replacement or gearbox rebuild. 1st gear is the weak point on the gearbox which is why there are 1st & reverse repair kits available but they ain't cheap.

[puck304]

 :(Bollocks! I was afraid of that. Is it a difficult job?

[puck304]

Thanks for your response, by the way!

[Rusty's Uncle]

You can probably buy yourself some time by using those gears only when you need to and give you time to look out for another box. If you are going for a rebuild then the Haynes manual will talk you through it. I drove a 126 for several months without 1st & reverse, you just have to think ahead a bit more . I did however come face to face with a huge HGV on a narrow road one time . The driver got out and told me I would have to back up in my tiny Fiat 126. I said OK but you will have to push me as I have no reverse gear 
He got back in his rig & reversed up to let me through  Result !

[Draigflag]

Given how small and light these cars are, wouldn't have been easier just to push it? Or lift the front and turn it around?

My first car was a Perodua Nippa (don't ask) When i parallel parked, i used to lift the rear wheel arch and slide the whole car closer to the kerb! That car weighed 800 KG so it would be much easier with a 126, and given there is no weight at the front, should be able to swing it around with two people.

[bis13]

thats the chosen method on a citroen mehari!