No reverse gear and linkage feels 'loose'

[David x Moore]

2003 A3 Sport - 5 speed manual

 

Hi, lost the ability to get reverse gear any more.

Inside the car, I can move the gear leaver as if I'm selecting reverse which although slack seems to follow the right moves, but I get a forward gear.

It feels as if the linkage has changed in some way rather than a gearbox issue.

 

I'd really appreciate some pointers about what to go look for.  

Thanks very much.

Regards Dave

[cliffcoggin]

I'd agree it is a fault in the linkage rather than the gearbox. The cable adjustment may have loosened at the gearbox end, or the cable mounting bracket may be loose. You will need to examine the whole linkage to find where the slack is. I have not done the job myself but the Haynes manual suggests a complicated juggling of springs and locking collars to detach the cables.

[David x Moore]

Thanks very much. 

Will there definitely be cables in there, as all I can see at the moment is metal rods?

[cliffcoggin]

They are Bowden cables: thick slightly flexible rods.

[David x Moore]

Thanks very much Jasonj, I had found this video before, but it's not the same as my set up.

I've had another look today in good light and think I've found the problem.   One of the mini track rods has worn out and popped off it's peg.

Just got to find new part now.

Thanks.