Elise S1 gear linkage

[nim]

Hi all,

I’m looking to improve my Elise S1 gearshift feel. When I move the gearstick to the left towards 1/2 it doesn’t return to neutral which gives me a rather tingly feeling down below when downshifting from higher gears. 
 

I have studiously read the service manual, diligently watched YouTube videos and determinedly scoured forum posts. I think I’ve isolated the issue to the cable itself. 
 

1) after disconnecting the cable at the front end, the bell crank moves freely 

2) after disconnecting the cable from the back end, the spring mechanism on the rear moves back into the neutral position

3) at the gearbox I can manually pull the cable towards the front against resistance (as if I’m moving the gearshift to the left) but it subsequently does not move back to the neutral position. Applying just a small amount of pressure with my finger causes it to move back

Is the cable just getting stuck somewhere? Can I service this myself or do I need a whole new cable? Is there much of a difference between third party cables and OEM? Why am I doing this to myself?
 

Thanks for your help. Regards,

Nim

[Lithopsian]

The cable might be a bit corroded internally, so it isn't moving freely.  Make absolutely sure that everything else is perfect first.  Just a bit of stiction at multiple places will stop the gearbox spring being able to move the lever freely.  Remove the bushes at the rear end of the cables and check that the spring moves everything smartly, then connect the cables but unclipped at the front - if that stops it moving then it pretty much has to be the cables.  The gear lever ball inside the plastic cage is likely to need work if it has never been cleaned; needs a special grease to reduce friction to an absolute minimum, or a general silicone grease to get 90% of the way there.

It is possible to lubricate the cables, but if they are corroded internally it is just a sticking plaster.  Replacing the cable is relatively straightforward, but there is a fair bit of dismantling to do.  You have to remove the handbrake cover and ideally the gearlever shroud as well, plus the obvious under the car.  Drivers seat out isn't 100% necessary, but you'll be cursing with it in.  You might need to replace the clips that hold the cables near the rear end, they get rusty and can lose some of their spring so they don't hold on.  Some people cable-tie them on to avoid losing the gearshift if the worst happens.

Aftermarket cables are generally a bit stiffer.  Replacing the bushes with something like a uniball allows them to twist more freely and still move backwards and forwards.  The original rubber bushes must be shot, although they might have been replaced already.