Mk7 Gear selector replacement or just bearing?

[neilie]

A Happy New Year to All!
I have a 2007 Mk7 T280 FWD & the gears have suddenly become very stiff.
From what I have read here, it seems like the bearing in the selector is damaged & needs replacing.
My local Ford dealer tells me that I need to replace the complete selector! €369 + VAT. He said that the bearing could be replaced in the Mk6 but not so in the Mk7.
Can anyone confirm whether he is right or wrong? It's a lot of dosh to hand over at this time of year!
Thanks,
Neil

[t2myd]

I ve had this problem , I squirted mine with wd40 got it going again then used spray grease the next day never had any problems since

[Altransit]

So far as I know, the selectors are pretty much the same design, so the bearing should be replaceable

[blue estate]

Just found this on flebay a bearing repair kit and it says 2lt 2000 2006 2.2 ltr 2007 2012http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ford-transit- ... 3f2e458c2e

[Punto443]

I'm reasonable sure it's the same bearing, I'm sure it's only the weight lever and ball connectors that are different on the mk7 selector.

At £7 from a main dealer for the bearing, it's got be worth a go

[andrusl]

yes, the mk6 selector bearing goes to mk7 too

[Dan T]

On the ford parts system the mk7 does not list the bearing separately, only the full unit ! It does however list the top seal, which has the same part no as a mk6 top seal !
I can confirm that the mk6 bearing is exactly the same as fitted to mk7 units, so just ask for one of them. I've done plenty this way

[neilie]

That's great news!
Really appreciate all the generosity in going to the trouble of replying & sharing the hard earned knowledge.
I'll order up the parts & let ye know the result.
I hope that this problem actually is being caused by the bearing!!

[Punto443]

If you disconnect the cables and manual select the gears (engine off) this will eliminate the cables if it is stiff to select them.

If it's free moving, it may be the cables

[neilie]

Latest update!
I have removed the selector & found the bearing to be badly worn so i have replaced both it & the seal.
My problem is....
I put the van in neutral (via the gearstick in the van) prior to removing.
Then disconnected the cables.
What I'm not sure of is whether the selector STAYED in neutral as I was removing it as I found it very difficult to remove with the hoses etc hindering me.
So, my concerns are: Does the selector need to be in neutral as I am refitting it (& how do I know if it is?) or is it just the gear stick in the van has to be in the neutral position.
Secondly, does the corresponding mechanism within the gearbox into which the selector connects to, have to be in a specific position as well. If it does, how can I tell it's in the correct position.
I'm hoping the replies will be to just put the selector back in & it will find it's own correct position. I think I'd be lucky if this is the case!
Advice appreciated.

[Punto443]

If you look in side the top of the gearbox, with the selector removed.
You will see the gold coloured selector forks

These


They should all be inline, so that you can line something through all three
Like this, the box should now be in neutral


The lever pin on the selector turret should be right in the middle of the H-gate,


then should slid down between the selector forks.

And that's you sorted

[Altransit]

Did I read somewhere about locking the gear lever in neutral with a pin

[neilie]

Thanks again for the info supplied. Priceless!
Unfortunately, I went ahead & fitted the selector not having seen Punto443's latest reply.It went in with a little jiggling. Bolted it up & connected everything.
I took it for a run & all seems to be working perfectly.
Do I have anything to worry about?

[Punto443]

Nope, it can only really go in one way on the 5speed pics were really just for reference.

Congratulations! You've just saved about £350

[neilie]

Great stuff!
2 last questions (I hope):
1. in my tray for bits & pieces that I was using during the work, I found a tiny spring & ball bearing that I think are not related to this project at all. I would like to confirm this is the case. I have a photo of them but don't know how to attach it.
2. Is there some way I can make a contribution to the upkeep of the site etc.??