Gear shift not returning to central position.

Good Morning.

I was wondering if anyone has had experience of the gear stick becoming "floppy", ie. not returning to its central position when not in gear. I could get the gears okay, but I had to be very careful so as not to select the wrong gear. I have taken all of the gear stick components out, and there are now just two rods in view that connect to the gear box. My question is :- is the centralisation of the gear stick controlled by the round gear box rod, or within the ball type assembly at the base of the gear lever?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.