[carole]

I have noticed a black wire wool like, hanging frrom my exhaust.

Also, the gear box is very stiff - any ideas.

[Sussex Patrol]

Please post all the details as per the sticky that is at the top of this section.............
The 'wire wool' coming out of the exhaust will be the internals of the exhaust silencer disintegrating-you will need to replace the exhaust section as required ie depending on which section has the problem (more than likely just the rear box) but you will need to get it confirmed.
As for the gears being stiff?? More info required are they ok with the engine switched off?? ie if you select gears with the engine switched off are they ok and then if you start the engine and try to select a gear is it difficult to get a gear to engage??

[carole]

Gears - P Reg Astra

Hiya, thanks for that. The gears are stiff all the time, so much so my neck is in agony trying to get it into gear.

Really difficulty to get into 1st and 2nd.

Thanks

[Sussex Patrol]

Originally Posted by carole

Hiya, thanks for that. The gears are stiff all the time, so much so my neck is in agony trying to get it into gear.

Really difficulty to get into 1st and 2nd.

Thanks

Is this with the engine off or on?? Because if it is with the engine off then you need to check the linkage for worn joints etc-but if as suspect you are having difficulty with the engine running-then you are going to be looking at a clutch problem cable/clutch worn etc..........