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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Gear lever noise

I know there are countless threads on this topic, but my recent hillclimb experience reminded me. I always get a loud sizzling noise from 2nd gear as soon as I hit 5,550 rpm. I have repeatedly replaced the anti-rattle parts, but it never goes away. You probably heard it on the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAKjwg1i34E&t=262s

My good friend Google AI says it's caused by weak 2nd gear detent springs, accessible from beneath the car without getting the gearbox out. Has anybody done this job, and is AI right? It's a ribcase box.
Les Rose

Nope, there are no accessible parts from underneath except drain plug and speedo drive. Some bits of the selector mechanism are under the gear shift gaiter, but actual detents are inside so you would have to pull the engine/gearbox and remove side plate.

I would not have much confidence in that diagnosis.They are only tiny balls and springs so even if weak (unlikely IMHO, unless you are also finding gear selection difficult) I doubt they would make any noise that is audible in the cabin.

AdrianR

There used to be an 'anti-sizzle' kit available from the usual suspects.

Here's an earlier discussion about it
http://mg-cars.info/mg-midget-sprite-technical-bbs/anti-rattle-gear-stick-kit-2018050320310711515.htm

I think the parts are still available so may be worthwhile contacting your favoured supplier.

AI is good but has its limitations and won't admit when it doesn't know the answer.
Jeremy MkIII

When was the gearbox last replaced??? I had that problem and it was cured when I replaced the layshaft needle rollers bearings and the ist motion shaft needle roller bearing. I also replaced the spigot bearing in the crankshaft.
Bob Beaumont

Sorry, ignore my comment - missed the bit where you said you'd already replaced the rattle bits Les - doh!
Jeremy MkIII

After fitting an anti-zizz kit mine still buzzed. As an experiment I removed the plate that fastens the lever in place and gave the domed bit a few taps with a hammer. Added some more grease and buzzing gone!
GuyW

The box was rebuilt by Hardy Engineering in 2008. It has done about 38k miles since. I will have another go at the lever retainer job.
Les Rose

I have taken a hammer to the lever retainer plate, and squashed it up a bit in the vice. I also put a washer under the spring behind the plunger in the side of the turret, to tighten the pressure on the lever ball. Went for a drive and the noise is much better. So far I have only replaced the so-called anti-rattle kit, which basically doesn't do anything.
Les Rose

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2026 and 03/08/2026

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.