The Ford Capri Laser Page

Hi there,
I have a 2.8i with a cossie Scorpio 2.9.
I’m not sure what exact type of 5 speed it has, but anything over 55 and gearstick rattles quite badly.
If I put my hand on, it quietens it somewhat but I feel the vibration.
Does anyone have similar experience?
I’m thinking it could be a gearstick bush?

Cheers, Stu

A bush might partially cure the vibes but I would be thinking more of the cause rather than covering it up, and with that in mind I'd be having a good look at the drive shaft for lost Ballance weights or damaged/worn Universal's or centre bearing ,or the tail shaft bush in the back of the gearbox. The fact that its road speed related suggests that the fault is after the motor and the driveshaft area is usually the culprit in cases as you describe

This is, I think, a common problem, occurring at the speed you mention. Most likely it`s the nylon `saddle` that sits on the end of the selector rod and onto which the fork on the gearlever slots. This is only plastic and if worn allows just enough play in gearlever for it to hit a resonance. Just clips in place, easy fit, couple of quid on ebay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/car-parts-ge ... Swa9dbxGCw

Also, packing the cavity into which the gearlever fits with a thick grease will help dampen it and stop vibration - this is easiest cheapest and quickest if you wish to try this first.

edit:
(All above is assuming it`s a type 9 not the MT75 or whatever the later type was called?)

Cheers Steve
Sounds a bit similar to other cars
Is it easy to get to? I guess from the top after removing all the console etc?
Stu

Hi,
yes, it`s just 3 torx headed bolts and the lever pulls out. You may need to use long nosed pliers to get hold of saddle, but other than that it`s a simple job. Definitely pack it with grease while you`re there, as that alone will damp out `buzzing

Thanks Mctool, that’s a good reason for sure..

Steve, thanks, I’ll buy the part you mentioned, as a first port of call... if no joy I’ll go and have the drivegear checked out by my local garage. Cheers!

Hi there I got the plastic saddle mentioned by stevemarl
However I’ve heard there’s also a heavy duty version.
I saw this on flea bay ...is this the one?

Item
193208697005

It’s 22 quid rather than 3.50 so I’m not sure..

80s-new-man wrote: ↑Sat Nov 16, 2019 11:14 pm Hi there I got the plastic saddle mentioned by stevemarl
However I’ve heard there’s also a heavy duty version.
I saw this on flea bay ...is this the one?

Item
193208697005

It’s 22 quid rather than 3.50 so I’m not sure..

I'd assume the cheap one will do the same job, but maybe wear out quicker.
So, if it were me, I'd fit that one first and see if it cures it. If not, then maybe you have another issue, but you've saved yourself the £22.
If it fixes it then pick up the HD version for the inevitable change further down the road.

That looks exactly the same as the standard part to me? I believe there are brass`heavy duty` ones (Caterham used the T9 perhaps they offered them?) but I wouldn`t think they`d help with vibration cf a plastic part. I`d do as Martin suggests and put the £3.50 one in, if it solves the problem you know your options. (And pack the cavity with thick grease, that alone will dampen vibrations.)

If you really want one, Burton sell the brass part.
https://www.burtonpower.com/hd-brass-sa ... t9539.html

Andrew.

Tommy Cooper once did a joke where the chap tells his doctor he's broken his arm in several places.
The doctor replies, "well, don't go to those places".

With this in mind, surely the obvious solution to this problem must be "well, don't go above 55".

Thank you, I'll fetch my coat.

With her up on ramps , and a few test runs it’s been diagnosed as a worn centre propshaft bearing/joint, there’s a lot of play on it.
I was advised that it would be easier and cheaper to get a fully reconditioned or new complete unit, and slip it in rather than pay the mechanic to remove, dismantle and repair with new bearings and re install.
It’s a type 9, the engine is a cossie 24v Scorpio BOB and original LSD.
I’m told that doesn’t matter, it should be just any “split” prop that fits to a type 9… is that ok?
Where would anyone recommend I go to, for a complete recon or new unit, with nice new bearings/centre sections?
I’m sure that will solve it. Advice most appreciated in advance!

Holy crap dude ,I thought I was bad at procrastination .
Sadly I can top that , my Di waited 12 years for a new oven thermostat .....I actually serviced appliances , inc ovens at the time , so ah

I may be mistaken but I thought the centre joint on 2.8s was a CV joint rather than the `normal` UJ? Also, when you say there`s a lot of play, do you mean in the bearing (which just supports the shaft and is straightforward to change) or in the joint (which allows it to `bend`)? The joint is the more difficult and you may then be better getting a good second hand/recon shaft. You could see if Martin, Caprigear has one?

Not so hard to put a new joint in yourself

http://www.fordcapriforum.com/forum/vie ... 17&t=54229

Thanks, I think it’s both.. and I’ve not done before nor the facility, time to do it.
If I don’t find one - do I need a CV joint, and a bearing , right? Would it also be advisable to get any seals replaced that mate the shaft into the gearbox or LSD?

80s-new-man wrote: ↑Thu Jul 15, 2021 4:25 pm do I need a CV joint, and a bearing , right? Would it also be advisable to get any seals replaced that mate the shaft into the gearbox or LSD?

Yes. As for seals, if they`re not actually leaking I wouldn`t bother. They`re not expensive or difficult to do but `if it ain`t broke...` the gearbox rear seal IS pretty straightforward, if you wanted to future-proof. The pinion seal on the axle is much more complicated, but less likely to fail. If you`re replacing the centre bearing (which supports the shaft) it`s probably worth replacing the rubber doughnut affair it`s mounted in. Come to think of it, you`re sure it IS actually the bearing that`s got play, not just that it can move about within it`s rubber housing? If the rubber`s perished you WILL get up and down play.

If it's a CV joint in the middle then you can get the two halves and twist them in opposite directions.
If there is the faintest little degree of movement, that you can feel but not actually see, that will be enough to give vibration.
If there is serious play in the prop when mounted on the car then it is the centre mounting donut.
No way would the CV joint have got to that stage without all your teeth falling out!

Also, the CV joint was fitted on the 2.8i as it withstands shock loading better than a UJ and Ford expected the cars to get treated badly.
If you are a considerate driver, don't dump the clutch or do standing quarter miles then you can replace the CV jointed prop with a standard Laser 5-speed one with no problems at all. That's what I did. Far cheaper to source and maintain.

Well thanks I made it to ford fair. First time in 14 years.
I couldn’t really take her over 60 without vibrating.
I saw the play up on the ramps. Suggested bearing and rubber. If I am here, I’ll look out for a refurbished complete unit or a kit and get it done…. Cheers all!