Has any one ever changed the little plastic bushing on the automatic trans. linkage? I had e hell of a time getting them on there, tried force, pressure, vice grip, could not get them trough the opening.
Than filed about 50 to 70 % of the lip away and was able to push them trough.
While waiting on the parts I had slipped some old rubber hose over the rod, which worked pretty good as temp. bushing. Of course I didn’t fasten one of the clips right and it’s gone, so I have to substitute with a regular snap ring.
Is there a trick to those bushing?
I also just did my power steering fluid, filter after viewing all pros and cons about ATF verses power steering fluid. The latter won. Thanks to Larry Bible's insistence.
Than I changed my kick down solenoid, and while I was at it converted to synthetic ATF. But still have to come back here for further help, still no kick down.
I might messed it up at the very beginning when I had bad fuel and tried to adjust the linkage for better results.So for now hand kick down it is.

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Wolfgang Marquardt
1982 240D, 270K
1983 Ford F100, 260K

Wooffi,

My auto trans gear shifter is rattling and needs new bushings too. By searching this site, you can find instructions on how to do it from the top (removing console). Apparently possible but frustrating as you found out.

My local shop guy says he has a "special tool" that he uses from below with car on lift. That takes only a few minutes. I think I'll go that route!

Nic
'85 300CD

You need to lube the bushings up really well with either spray silicone or MB Sunroof Grease. A 19mm (if I remember right) socket and a large pair of Channel Locks will do the trick. Place the bushing up against the rod, put the socket over the bushing (to act as the installation tool), then grip the whole thing with the Channel Locks and squeeze and the bushing will pop in. It might take some effort, but that's how I've always done it.

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Regards,
Aaron

Thanks, that will help for my next set, in ??? years.
your advise is on file, in the Chilton manual.
I did them, laying under and think I leave them in for now.

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Wolfgang Marquardt
1982 240D, 270K
1983 Ford F100, 260K

We have taken the shift lever off the transmission and put it in a vice, otherwise as Aaron's suggestions.

They do fit rather snuggly.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

You may be able to get sufficent access with the transmission tunnel removed to get a decent grip on the bushing but when I recently put one in from below the car there was no where near enough room to fit a socket and a pair of Channel Locks in. I ultimately had to shave a bit off mine too. An amateur job I realize, but will hopefully it will last long enough.

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LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold

I can't believe it, I didn't even think about taken the shift levers out.
Well next time....

Thanks youall
Wolfgang

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Wolfgang Marquardt
1982 240D, 270K
1983 Ford F100, 260K