Hi folks Been having a few problems recently with selecting 3 and 4 gears - others fine (been going from 2 to 4 then back to 3 to move up through the gears which is helping, the move from 2 to 3 seems to be the main problem). Investigating today looks like the spring that goes just above the universal joint where the selector column goes through the bulkhead has snapped - certainly looks like two parts. I have assumed this is some sort of return spring which is why the gear changes are baulking a bit. Hopefully replacement will return things to normal. Any tips on replacing this plus where to source. Had a look at Malbrad but the spring they seem to list as gearchange spring doesn't look like the one I think is snapped. Thanks...Ian
Initially I thought it was the spring which sits over the shaft above the UJ as this is where the loose bit was sitting. As you say this has a taper - on mine the wider end sits towards the bush on the bulkhead side and the narrower end towards the UJ. However, having consulted a couple of old manuals it appears there is also a spring type clip that sits across the UJ itself - does this sound correct - will try and scan the diagram and attach when I have a minute later. Assume if there is a spring like fitting here its to help the UJ return to its best resting position between gearchanges. I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that the designer of this whole thing was on something when when he drew this out!!
Spoken with Steve at Malbrad - indeed there is a spring that goes across the UJ which having looked more closely at the broken bit I have is fortunately the one that Malbrad have a replacement for. Hopefully the spring will spread enough for it to go onto the UJ without dismantling the thing - we shall see. Apparently it is there to return the UJ to a central resting position ready for next gearchange. First time I have ever come across this arrangement - you live and learn as they say. (Incidentally, while going through an old manual that someone gave me I came across a 1972 original SAAB price list slip - I'll scan it and post in another thread, might be of interest to someone). Thanks for the help Paul, all the best.Ian
Hi Ian, I had problems with one recently and thought it was the spring up on the bulkhead (which was missing) causing the issue. However after much tail chasing it turned out one of the UJs itself was damaged so if you can have a really good look at them too. Not actually that hard to remove the bit with the two UJs. In theory you can remove the tapered pins by removing the nut and tightening on the opposite side if that makes sense. Cheers