WQ Fiesta gear linkage - manual trans

Billy99 · 21-02-2016, 02:03 PM

Hi all,
After opening the plastic transmission inspection cover to check the transmission oil, I noticed the gear shift cable linkage was broken - missing the clip and fitting that attaches to the gear selector lever. Must have been like this for sometime, still selects gears okay.
I'd like to know if anyone has experienced this problem before.
Not sure on parts availability for the linkage.
Thinking about installing a suitable size bush to take up the play, then fit a circlip.
After suggestions/ideas.

Thanks

GTLEGEND · 21-02-2016, 02:17 PM

Here are the partts availability for the cable on a manual WQ. I can provide specific part numbers if you advise what exact part you need.

WQ Gear Cable.pdf

zabatron · 22-02-2016, 12:26 AM

Pretty common problem..looks like the rubber shifter cable bushing has fallen off...these are just a press fit to the pin on the metal shifter arm,and have no "e" clip on them from the factory to keep it locked in position.Pretty sure you have to buy the whole cable assembly to obtain this bush(GT legend may be able to confirm this).Your suggested solution of fitting a rubber bush and c- clip will work as i have seen this done before to eliminate the slop in the shifter after this bushing has fallen off.

Billy99 · 22-02-2016, 06:09 AM

Thanks GTLEGEND for the cable parts list. Would appear I need the whole cable assy.
I'll have a go at fitting a bush and clip first, see what I can do myself.
Appreciate your response zabatron.
Cheers

Ken_AUXR8 · 02-04-2016, 04:05 PM

Hi Billy, I have this same issue. How did you go with the bish, or did you end up buying the whole new cable?
Cheers

Ken

DDevine · 17-04-2016, 12:10 AM

The exact same problem today on a 2005 WQ - that's why I joined this forum!

I found a thread suggesting that the smaller "Booger Bushings" made for a Dodge Neon will fit a Ford Fiesta. (http://www.boogerracing.com/boogerbushings.html)

I've ordered some... Hopefully it works and I won't have to fashion a replacement myself, or shell out for a set of cables.

DDevine · 23-06-2016, 07:04 PM

I finally got around to fixing this today. The booger bushing worked perfectly because like in Billy99's pictures, only the top one was disintegrated.

I was having trouble getting the bushing to actually seat in fully, so I ended up reaming it with a 5.5mm drill bit. Reaming with a 5.5mm only took off a few shavings of rubber, but what I think was really key was the friction from the drill bit heating up the rubber a bit and making it more malleable. Maybe somebody should try heating the bushing up in hot water next time.

I placed the ring end of a spanner over the end of the bushing and carefully forced it home with a hammer.

If you have yet to fix this Billy, I have a second bushing available for quite cheap.

OCouch91 · 15-07-2023, 05:43 PM

I had the same issue. I managed to cobble something back together.

It's a bit of an awkward spot to get to but I measured the pin at about 8mm and the ID of linkage at 16mm.

Used a 3/8" vacuum blanking plug and cut it down to size. It was a but large on (5/16" would've been better but beggars can't be choosers on a Friday public holiday before a long weekend). It was 17mm or so OD soa bit oversize, but a chamfer and a bit of rubber grease meant it went in without too much of a fight.

A couple of 5/16" flange washers on either side and wave split pin to hold it all on. I used a bit of red rubber grease to get it slide together nicely.

I found some bushings on aliexpress that claimed to be designed to fit but they wouldn't turn up for a month or so and I couldn't afford my work car to be out of action that long.