Replacing shift rod bushings? W201

[bruce.g.cameron]

Anyone have experience replacing the two external shift rod bushings on the W201 AT 722.4? I have metal on metal on the forward bushing.

I had an intermittent cyclical noise, then the shifter got substantially looser. I think that as the bushings failed, the linkage rubbed a bit on the balancing disc on the driveshaft.

The rear bushing is easy to get to. I can see a circlip on the front one, but looks tough to get to. There looks to be a big electrical connector to the transmission just under the front one - is that something I could easily take off to get room, or is a connector that often breaks?