Clunky gear change 1st-2nd

[Andyv]

Any ideas on why my 2012 avensis 2.0 d4d 65k has a clunky,rough gear change 1st-2nd,3rd-2nd? Side to side the gearstick feels positive but 1st and second feels sloppy, Not that i cant find the gears its just doesnt feel right, thinking gearstick or linkage cables? Have had the air box off to have a look at gearbox linkages but feel fine, noticed that there is some free play but i mean slight play in the gear selector cable bush that connects to main gearbox linkage the rubber part that you remove the R clip to get them off, is there any free play meant to be there? 

[allanicars]

mine too - found if i take my time it goes in smoothly,

[gazza1286]

I've not had any direct experience of that model but the cable system traditionally adopted by Toyota has failings. The bushings at the gearbox end are rubber with a brass insert. This insert wears prematurely and over time the rubber looses its firmness. Models like the MR2 and Celica seem to suffer these problems.

The solution is to replace the rubber bush with a metal alternative. Options include bearings (skateboard bearings are surprisingly the exact size required) or custom machined brass inserts. These are widely available online and provide a more direct feel to gear changes.

I've used the skateboard option on three of my Toyotas in recent years - however the slack gear change has never been a problem on the two Avensis models I've had a 1999 and 2008.

 

There's usually only the one bush which fails. The front/back. The left/right doesn't suffer the same stress.  

[Heidfirst]

it's normal for that gearbox. usually improves a bit when warm but first thing in the winter can be a pain until it warms up ...

[Andyv]

I've not had any direct experience of that model but the cable system traditionally adopted by Toyota has failings. The bushings at the gearbox end are rubber with a brass insert. This insert wears prematurely and over time the rubber looses its firmness. Models like the MR2 and Celica seem to suffer these problems.

The solution is to replace the rubber bush with a metal alternative. Options include bearings (skateboard bearings are surprisingly the exact size required) or custom machined brass inserts. These are widely available online and provide a more direct feel to gear changes.

I've used the skateboard option on three of my Toyotas in recent years - however the slack gear change has never been a problem on the two Avensis models I've had a 1999 and 2008.

 

There's usually only the one bush which fails. The front/back. The left/right doesn't suffer the same stress.  

Yes thats the bush ive seen the play in, can you but these replacement bushes or is it a new cable job?

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[gazza1286]

Unless Toyota have changed there policy recently the bushes cannot be purchased independently. A complete cable is the only part they supply. That's why the bearings are used as a substitute. 

 

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141519163734

This is an example - just skateboard bearings and washers.

 

 Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291811971725

Or a solid brass machined option. The listings on eBay cover other Toyota models but they are all the same size and should be interchangeable. The bearings can be a snug fit. A couple of sockets and a threaded rod will press them into the housing in minutes.