5th gear poping out

[MBRMR2]

hey guys on the way to santa pod yesterday, i got stuck behind a load of twsats on the way and lost me mates, so i guned it for about 2 - 3 miles and since i did that once you go above 80 or put too much power on in th gear it just pops out as if some 1 was pulling the linkage towords the rear of the car. It hasent happened before and i havent had any warning about this from the car, it just happened after i guned it a bit yesterday (and that was maniley in 2 3 4th untill i got to about 110 ish then left it in 5th for about a mile or so) as soon as i caught up there was a bang (not to loud, like knocking on the window or something) then the engine reved up allot, and i relised it had come out of gear, i thaught that i may have done it first of all as i ahd put my xbox controler infront of it when i left and i moved it a few moments before it poped out so i put it back in and it happened a lil l8er as i tryed to catch up again, it is ok tho if i rest my hand infront of the gear knob, but i can feel it trying to force its way back out, and i t was doing this all the way there and back unlerss i stayed at about 70 (which i know i should )
any ideas would help, im going to a friends that knows quite a bit aobut mr2s but i thaught i would ask here aswell as i know some people here know allot about them
thanks for the time and any replyes made
karl

[3SGE]

Sounds like might be wear in the gear box. Never had this problem myself though. Does it happen when you accelerate or suddenly come off the pedal? Or does it just happen any time over 70 in 5th?

Of course check all the linkages too. Could be the selector cable is getting stuck on it's way back to the engine bay, get some grease on it maybe. :-)

I would recommend replacing your shifter bushings with metal ones by the way, it really made a noticeable difference on my car (same age as yours) 'cos the rubber bushings perish (the bushings on the end of the selector cables in the engine bay). They're pretty cheap too, think you can get them from twosrus.com.

Another nice upgrade is the Rev2+ stick. It's a bit shorter, and it has a ring on the neck which stops the gaitor from slipping down if you use an after market knob.

Do you have any kind of short shifter stick?

The shift is what I've spent most time trying to get right. I think it's one of the most under-rated aspects of your driving experience. If it's ropey then you won't enjoy driving. :-)

Anyway, check the mechanics of the linkage first before you rip the gearbox out. :-)

G. :-)

[darkmagi]

I had the same problem as you & after searching through IMOC i was told that it was the 5th gear retaining nut ? not sure what it is or what it does but my 5th gear popped out if i was going up a hill low in the revs then gunned it.

I learned to keep my hand on the gear stick if in 5th as im going to need a clutch soon & i thought it would be the best time to get the gearbox fixed, Kill 2 birds with one stone...