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Just a heads up. I was checking the rubber boots around the gear lever the other week and I remembered that Bevan had issues with the 4 top turret bolts on his gearbox being loose so I checked the ones on my gearbox and they were loose too. I tightened everything back up and noticed a marked improvement in shift quality. The little graunch the gearbox has always had when changing into 2nd and 3rd gears has been reduced considerably, even when cold. It's been over a week since I tightened everything up and all is still good. So while your in there changing boots it might be a good idea to check that the 4 turret bolts are firm. The two rear ones are easy to get to through the hole in the floor, the 2 front ones need a bit more creativity. Next time I have the mid brace off I will go in from underneath and check the 2 front ones again.

Good tip there Garry! Might try it myself!

Mine were loose too when I did my boots - seems quite common When I do the new lever bush I'm going to look at loctite or better washers to ensure it doesn't happen again.

thats interesting maybe thats why i can't get into 2nd when cold

altho mines 5 speed but worth a look i guess

Thanks Garry - I'll make sure I have a look

Another problem I had was that my power plant frame had a few loose bolts/nuts near the diff (actually one was missing). I added a temporary bolt and nut and it made a huge difference in shift feel

I've finally received the replacement parts from Japan (took 3-4 months) and have installed them. The shift is now so much softer and less notchy

Though I do sometimes find it hard to get into second gear still

Have you tried getting to the front two bolts whilst the gear boot is off, with a flex 180 degree lock gear spanner?

^ I love my Kingchrome flex lock spanners. Best spanners ever!

d-mag wrote:^ I love my Kingchrome flex lock spanners. Best spanners ever!

So do I, but I think its turning into a shameless plug

Have you tried getting to the front two bolts whilst the gear boot is off, with a flex 180 degree lock gear spanner?

ummm, no, because I dont have any. However, my birthday is coming up so any gifts will be greatfully recieved.

Took my rice rocket back to Penfolds Mazda to have it looked at . No dice , Slave OK: next service it will be left for them to rectify ( under warranty).
Looks like syncros are U/s.
Whilst on the subject. What do you guys think about mazda water pump versus after market?
Coming up for 100.000 Kms. What parts are good after market or should I go all mazda.
Looking at the dollars.
Do I need to do the belt rollers and do I go mazda belts too?
Cheers Nick

I tried to remove the center console the other day to check the bolts on the top of the gearbox and couldn't get it off. Undid the two plastic pins either side up front and the screw in the little storage space further back. No dice . How does it come off and is this the way into the said bolts on the gear box?

one screw under the power window switch...

wun911 wrote:one screw under the power window switch...

You need to pry out the power window switches with a very flat edge.
Last time a cooking utensil worked really well ...