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MG TD TF 1500 - 1st gear rattles

Greetings, my 51 TD just started rattling in 1st gear. If I push the shifter forward it feels and sounds better. It still stays in gear but feels like it's ready to pop out. Any ideas? Thanks, Doug
D Donaldson

Search archives: gearshift rattle, all of these words. Many volumes written about similar problems. Popping out is another common issue. Any chance you just changed the points or timing? George
George Butz III

Timing too advanced can cause shift rattle.

Regards, Tom
tm peterson

Rattling under acceleration in 1st gear is due to inaudible detonation. Use the highest-octane fuel in your area and or retard the static ignition till the rattle cannot be heard.
Len Fanelli
CSI Ignition dealer
Len Fanelli

Thanks everyone for your comments. I use the highest octane fuel available and am familiar with the points and/or timing issues that can cause shifter rattle, but none of these appear to be the problem. I think I'm going to have to pull the gearbox and check inside. I suspect something has worn or shaken loose that's allowing the gears to move improperly. When I push the shifter forward it feels just like it has in the past, but when I let go, it moves backwards and the shaking starts. Oh well, I like working on it anyway, and I haven't had a project for quite a while now. Thanks again everyone.
Doug
D Donaldson

Hi all,
I pulled the gearbox and completed an internal inspection. I found the 1st & 2nd Sliding hub had extreme wear on the first 9mm of the gear teeth, so I'm going to replace the Sliding Hub, 1st gear, Seals, Gaskets, 1st Motion Shaft Bearing, and Rear Bearing. Is there anything more I should replace while inside?
Also, does anyone have specific information about the 1st & 2nd Selector Shaft detent modification I've seen references to?
Thanks for your help.
Doug




D Donaldson

Doug, you might want to read through this thread from the archive: https://mg-cars.org.uk/cgi-bin/or17?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=archiveth&subject=8&subjectar=8&thread=2020030301255812041

If you need to borrow the special tool for getting the balls and springs back into the sliding hub or a dummy layshaft for reassembling the tranny, just let me know.

Jud

ps: If the link doesn't work, search the TD archive for "pinion gear" in a thread started by me last year.




J K Chapin

That wear is always present, hence the redesigned new parts without the groove . That has nothing to do with the rattle . I’ll look for the extra detention article. George
George Butz III

Thanks again everyone. My next step is going to be to pull everything out of the box and do a deeper inspection. Thanks for the threads about other gearbox repairs, they helped remind me of a few small parts I had overlooked in my order.
Doug
D Donaldson

Jud,
I have your tool for getting the balls and springs back in. I also have a dummy layshaft. If you want me to send the tool back to you, I can. Or I can just send it directly to Doug.

Doug, Jud's tool works very well.

Jim
JV Smith TD17744

Oops, I guess I forgot that I loaned them to Jim. Glad to know that they both worked well.

Jim, if Doug wants to use them, please forward them to him. If not, at your convenience, please return them (really no hurry, I hope I don't need them for a long time).

Doug, let Jim know if you want the tools and he will send them on to you.

Jud

Judson Chapin
112 Lister Road
Landrum, SC 29356
J K Chapin

Greetings, As so many or you were gracious enough to respond to my thread about the rattling in my gearbox, (all with great information) I thought it only right to let you know what it was. I tried all of the things mentioned, but still had to pull the gearbox and inspect it internally. I found the following:

1.) The 1st & 2nd Sliding Hub had visible wear (see photos) and apparently wasn't allowing proper engagement. As I began to drive in 1st, it was pulling out on it's own and causing the rattling sound. When I kept forward pressure applies, it meshed just enough to work "properly".
2.) The 1st gear on the Lay Gear looked pretty good, but had some small chips and pits.
3.) All the other components looked "new".

I replaced the 1st & 2nd Sliding Hub and the 1st Gear. As I had a new Lay Gear, I replaced that too. I then routinely replaced the bearings and seals and all appears fine now.
It's as quiet as a TD can be and doesn't try to pull out of 1st.
Again, thank you, everyone for taking the time to help me sort this out.
Doug





D Donaldson

This thread was discussed between 15/04/2022 and 13/06/2022

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