stiff gearchange

[deezil]

Hi all,
i drive a 96 c280 manual
i find it stiff when changing between the gears
165000 miles fdsh.
is this a common issue?
is there a simple fix?
whats the best thing to do
i already lifted leather gaitor off and greased in there to no avail
comments and suggestions welcome..

 

[WG M-B]

Cables must be on there way out

 

[deezil]

is this an expensive fix?
can i buy and fit them or what would a dealer charge for this?
cheers..

 

[spoton]

linkage

isnt the linkage on rods I know my diesel is , if so Id check for wear/ disconnect the ball joints at the ends clean them up and regrease, with linkage disconnected make sure gearstick moves freely,

if still stiff looks like its an internal issue