MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - Wooden Gearshift Knob Rattle Fix

Just wanted to give the forum some follow-up on a common complaint and a successful fix. I have a Walnut gearshift knob on my 79 MGB that began to rattle. After searching the archives I tried many of the fixes suggested including purchasing a new plastic bushing for the end of the gear shift lever, a new dampening plunger and spring, a new set of spring washers for the shouldered bolts used on the cover plate...all to no avail. I then pulled the knob removed the aluminum threaded insert using a 7/16-20 bolt to pull with and placed wood glue around the insert and drove it back into the knob. I then filled the space between the end of the threaded insert and the MG logo cap insert with silicone....and now no rattle. I have a friend who just filled the space with wood glue and did not remove the threaded insert and he also has ended his rattle woes. I am not sure whether the rattle is caused by loosening between the insert and the wood knob or loosening between the threads of the gearshift lever and the aluminum threaded insert with the vibrations then amplified by the almost drum like space beteen the insert and the logo cap but filling this space cures the problem. This fix is not mine but one I found in the archives and was also passed on to me by my friend who also had success.
Frank

Frank, did you use a half thickness lock nut below the gear knob?
David Witham

David,
On mine I have the chrome "inverted pyramid" nut that was standard on the 79. I will say when I reinstalled the knob I just screwed it down to the chrome nut and did not try and tighten this nut and yet still no rattle. I do have this nut screwed all the way to the gaitor which may allow the threaded portion of the gearshiftor to reach my silicone and thus the vibrations may be better absorbed.
Frank

I suggest people with this type of problem try the new "Gorilla Glue" type glues. You wet the surface (it cures with moisture) then apply the glue and assemble. The glue bubbles a bit to fill gaps and dries really hard. Don't get it on your fingers, it comes off really hard. Epoxy (Funny name, eh? Sounds like a disease.) would work well, too.
Tom

This thread was discussed between 29/08/2005 and 31/08/2005

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.