MK4 Astra reverse gear problem?

[mattblack]

Mate of mine just rang me, he can't get his 2000 MK4 Astra dizler into reverse. He seems to think I some sort of psychic powers when it comes to diagnosing car faults over the phone... I talked him through a couple of things, like does it go in without the engine running (no) and does it go in if you ease the clutch up (no). Gear lever apparently doesn't feel 'sloppy' and other gears go in no bother.

 

Anyone come accross this before? Is it a tuppenny ha'penny bush in the linkage or OMG NEW GEARBOX!!!!?

[Barry Cade]

Has it got the lift up collar to go into reverse? Maybe the cable has come off, or pulled through the gearknob.

[Split_Pin]

It will have the lift-up collar. As above, or perhaps one of the bushes on the linkage has snapped or just perished. Can you ask him if the other gears work. If they do, then I'd say +1 to Tiff's suggestion

 

That age of Vauxhall dont go into reverse gear very well at the best of times anyway.