stif gear on mercedes sprinter

Radsteral

Hello
Wondered if any of the mechanics here got any idea what may cause the gear chage on my van

its a pertol/lpg mercedes sprinter 2005-- previously owned by london buses ltd

recent few days have noticed the gear change is a bit stif...not as it used to be- very light and easy
its not at a stage i would say is unbearable, but defenitely stiffer

i have serviced it ,to a local reputable private garage each december since i got it 3 years ago but service normally pads, oil and filters
any thing that its missing ie oiling/grease or?
thanks

Notmyrealname

So its not been serviced properly for 3 years. I would start by getting the gearbox and diff oil checked.

Radsteral

thank you for your sugestion mate
any idea of rough cost for it ?

s_b

its a cable or cables and they seize/ break

Radsteral

that was my initial thinking.. 1 of my workers got a small transit connect van
he was left stranded last manth on a flyover
the garage found the cable of the gear broken and replaced with new

s_b

Radsteral wrote: »

that was my initial thinking.. 1 of my workers got a small transit connect van
he was left stranded last manth on a flyover
the garage found the cable of the gear broken and replaced with new

ive just looked on ebay and if they fit your van at £55 they might be a bargain but some dealer parts are really cheap so ring there before going second hand

Notmyrealname

Radsteral wrote: »

thank you for your sugestion mate
any idea of rough cost for it ?

They'll probably check the levels for free. The oil isn't expensive.

Radsteral

thank you for your sugestions guys , will go to my local one and see what they say..at least i got an idea what it may be

Radsteral

2 cables 80plus vat from mercedess, oil 18 quid , including vat and labour 285.00
the diferential oil was dirty , and gear oil was a bit low, the garage sugested just to top up the gear one and changge diferential oil, but they said the cable linkage is the main problem so i went with it .

got it today.. i cant decide which one is lighter, the gear change or indicator change;) i cant believe it, what a diference it has made in to driving . love it ! paid by card, but will buy the garage man a bottle of wine . mercedes quoted 380 plus vat for the cable charge only thanks guys for your info

jase1

I hired one of these vans... nearly new, but the gearchange was the most obstructive, baulky, notchy mess it has ever been my misfortune to have to use.

mikey72

Radsteral wrote: »

2 cables 80plus vat from mercedess, oil 18 quid , including vat and labour 285.00
the diferential oil was dirty , and gear oil was a bit low, the garage sugested just to top up the gear one and changge diferential oil, but they said the cable linkage is the main problem so i went with it .

got it today.. i cant decide which one is lighter, the gear change or indicator change;) i cant believe it, what a diference it has made in to driving . love it ! paid by card, but will buy the garage man a bottle of wine . mercedes quoted 380 plus vat for the cable charge only thanks guys for your info

Glad you got it sorted.
The cable change is ok when it works, but when it goes wrong it's a pain.
Should last you now.