Hi all,

Just replaced the 3 shifter bushings accessible from inside the cabin, following 79mercy's excellent DIY.

However, after getting underneath the car, I noticed the 4th bushing (currently non existent) is connected to a metal piece that mates with the Neutral Safety Switch.

I knew this before, but on the 722.3 transmissions this piece is outboard of the NSS and can be taken off with a 10mm socket.

It looks like the NSS on the 722.4's (my car) sandwiches that metal piece between it and the transmission. There is no 10mm here - some torx bolts.

My question then is anyone ever replace this bushing on a 1985 without the special tool?

I don't mind buying the special tool really, as local mech will charge $120 to change that %$#& bushing.

Also does anyone know if the Stahlwille tool for $49 is made in Germany, or the eBay one for $36.99 was designed by Kent of MS?

Thank you kindly!

Ebay seller is a good one, I would have no issues buying from him.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I changed the two shifter bushings underneath the car on my 1985 CA 300D. I don't know what you are referring to (perhaps post a photo). The shift linkage doesn't touch the NSS and passes it on the outside. The NSS is actuated via a short rotating rod that comes out of the transmission. I removed the NSS for easier access, but still not easy. Degrease the area well first or your hands will be slipping in muck.

I bought a pliers tool on ebay ~$30. It didn't work until I added a thick backing washer to keep the plastic pushing from splaying outward as I pressed. Some have used a bolt-washers-nut setup to press in the bushing, but I don't see enough room for that on my 85 300D unless you dropped the tranny down a bit.

__________________
1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

I did that on my '82. Removed the rod assembly from the shift linkage, then used the nut, bolt and washer to press in the bushing.

__________________
RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K