hi there may seem like a silly question but does any 1 no how to disconnect the gear linkage on a e reg 340 1.7 and what i need to remove to do this was thinkin i have to remove the prob as i am taking the gear box out help please asap thanks james

If you are removing the gearbox, the prop has to come off anyway, and will give you a much clearer view, as the linkage is above the prop. Prop you'll need a 6mm allen key socket (don't try it with an allen key, it'll most likely round the bolt) Halfords do the socket with a lifetime gaurentee for £3ish. Make sure it's well in the bolt, and breaker bar!

As to the linkage, it's on the top of the box, but it currently escapes me as to how it's connected, I'm sure someone will come along who can remember!

I've not done this on a 340, only a 360, but I'd imagine most of it will be similar if not the same. To remove completely you need to undo all of the surround arond the actual gearstick from above, remove the gaitor etc and it will then drop down, there will be a front stabiliser bar connected to the bellhousing. That is a push through pin, which probably won't clear something like the floor of the car around the centre tunnel due to the length of it unless you drop it down lower, probably by removing the bellhousing.

Having not worked on a manual 1.4 or 1.7 I don't know about the prop removal, I thought it was a push fit on the springs?

If it's only the rear end of the linkage that needs disconnecting to drop the gearbox, then it should be on the top side, above the input shaft on the n/s, you'll be able to trace it back easily, anyway there will be a split cover to gently pry open slightly and slide back, then you'll see that this traps the pin through the connector ball socket. Push the pin out and you're free that end.

Hope that helps.

Pete

There are two ways of removing the box.

1) you can disconnect all the linkage etc at the box end.

2) you can remove the box complete with all linkages - I think can even leave the gear lever on.

Disconnecting it at the box end is much easier, I think. Pull back the rubber cover, slide the cover off the 'UJ', and knock one of the pins out (and don't lose it!).

cheers

James