S40 Gear problems getting into 1st 2nd and Reverse

I have a '97 Volvo S40 and I am having a lot of problems getting it to
go into 1st, 2nd and reverse gears. I can get into first by lifting
the reverse latch and putting the gearstick through the motion of
going into reverse. Getting into reverse is very difficult, it
requires a fair bit of force and it feels as if it is further over to
the left than it should. It almost feels like there is a guiding
plate which has slipped slightly to the left and that is why I am
having difficulty changing gears. Does anybody know if this is a big
job? Or can I do it myself?
Many Thanks
Allan

 

No takers for this?

 

Remember reading on a UK site someone who said that the link bushings
needed replacing when this happens.

See if this helps.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=43014&highlight=s40+gear+linkage

good luck

John

 

Excellent, thanks very much John. That looks like it should help )
Allan

 

You're welcome....