I found that my 1993 1.1 Rover Metro developed an annoying rubbery squeaking noise when changing gear and seemed to get worse the longer the journey went on. Selecting first from stationary was also more difficult after time. The reason? Poor Rover production (perhaps). The cause of the problem was (gross) overtightening of the pivot bolt securing the "bottom of the gearstick" pivot to the fork. The pivot has two rubber spacing washers seperating it from the fork and the over-tightened nut (nylok) on the pivot bolt was causing the noise - worse on expansion due to its position above the exhaust in the transmission tunnel.

I removed the bolt, applied some silicone grease to the rubber washers and reassembled - not tightening so enthusiastically. My gear stick is now easier to use and is silent.

Unscrew the gear knob, remove the four screws securing the gaiter plate to the floor, remove the top gaiter and securing plate, loosen the pinch bolt nut and remove the gear stick upper section, lift off the lower gaiter and pull it off the white plastic securing piece on the lower gear stick - this exposes the offending bolt which can be seen running from left to right. Tip! When you have removed the bolt be careful not to lose the rubber washers as you pull the pivot joint apart. Reassembly is...well...you know from Haynes.