detaching gear cables at gear lever end

[robro]

I have managed to undo all connections in the engine bay of my 91 SE Turbo and have stripped down the gear lever end and removed gear lever. I can't see how to detach the the cables from the now exposed (and freely moveable) cradle. Has anyone got the answer to my problem please?

I've had a 'Light Bulb' event and worked out how to do it. Now all I have to do is pull the ne cables through somehow.

[Fredjohn]

I removed my cables to fit JC's replacements with the short shift kit. I had no problems, I vaguely remember it was straightforward but not how!

But I'm pretty sure I followed the workshop manual instructions. Freely available in manuals section in tab at top when signed in.

PS attach strong string/thin rope before you withdraw the cables if that is your intention. Easy then to refit or replace.

[Vaughnc]

I replaced my cables a couple of years ago. The selector connections in the cabin end were relatively easy to work with. The engine end was a pain. The manuals have good pics. I have attached a screenshot. This seems to be identical for all models (I have the S2).

In the pic item #25 is inserted and secured in the holes shown in #15.
The cable ends #26 attach to the lugs that descend from #10. The pic does not show the lugs very clearly but they are attached to the ball mechanism in #10 that the bottom of the gearstick attaches to. When you move the gearstick these lugs move the cables backwards and forwards within their sleeves.

Definately make sure you attach a guide wire or string string before you pull the cables out. I used some spare twisted pair network cable - thin and strong especially if you use all the 8 cores.
Good luck!

[esprit888]

The cables come out through the interior, not the engine compartment. With the centre console removed and the four button crews (7) removed you can manipulate the whole cradle (15) out through the opening with the cables still attached to the lever mechanism (you don't actually need to remove the lever at all as it helps you to push the cables all the way forward and the lever all the way back to clear the opening) Its a little bit of a wiggle until you find the one position and it then just pulls out. Your cable may be sticking at the small opening between the firewall and the engine so it does help to have someone guiding/pushing them through. As mentioned tie a string a round both cables before pulling them into the cabin. This is what it looks like in engine compartment looking up towards the opening in the engine area and you can see its a little tight with the two cables on the gearbox end and it then takes a sharp turn over the rear engine mount arm.

And this is how it looks inside the tunnel looking forward, you can see its very tight by the time you pull the cradle assembly (15) back far enough that the two adjusters on the gearbox end of the cables have to get through the opening.

[robro]

Thank you all for your suggestions and help.
I had a Light Bulb event and managed to remove the cradle so am now working at getting the new cables in. One in and one to go!
Thanks once again.