need help with linkage problem

[martint]

just noticed i am finding it harder to engage 4th gear (& recently reverse).
had a look today at linkage.is it supposed to be so slack?(you know-the part where the ball joint bit,goes onto the ball of the gear-box).it can be moved in the direction from front to back of car.
my next question is:how does that part of the linkage come off?not got a haynes manual.cheers
if i dont have any luck here,im gonna have to put car into barnetts.aargh

[jasper5]

You should be able to lever off the linkage from the ball using a pry bar or anything you can get that will fit under the linkage to pry it off.

Seems like the plastic ball joint cup has worn out.

[martint]

thank you=i can literally swivel the top back & forwards with my little finger.its on the ball joint but WAY slack.bit movement sideways as well.prob half milimetre,which also probably means that there's movement every which way(360degrees).think this could be my problem,selecting 4th gear.only happens every now & then