Loose Shift Lever - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-22-2002, 09:32 AM

I've reviewed the archive and am convinced that the loose shift handle in the 85TD is the result of worn bushings. Has any one replaced these on this model? I found descriptions for the 126 (should be similar) and some newer models. I want to be sure that I order the correct parts and schedule plenty of time for the job.

rickjordan · #2 08-23-2002, 01:42 AM

Plenty of time is what you will need. I haven't had to do this on my TD, but I did on my SD. It took a little time to get the new buchings in. Now as for the TD, there isn't as much room under there. The transmission tunnel is narrower. It is still the same basic rod with 2 bushings, it's just in a tighter spot.

#3 08-23-2002, 08:53 AM

Thanks, Rick. Did you do the job from underneath or did you pull the console?

rickjordan · #4 08-23-2002, 07:44 PM

Well as I mentioned I did this on my SD. I just jack the car up and crawled underneath. My originals were completely shot, so getting them out was no problem. It was putting the new ones in that took time. I used both vise grips and robo grip pliers to press the new bushings in. I even used some grease on the rubber bushings to help get them into place. Being it that there appears to be less room on the W123 chassis, I figure will take a bit longer.
I don't think you can accomplish this fro the interior.

psfred · #5 08-24-2002, 11:10 AM

We use a vice to press the bushing into the lever after taking the tanny lever off the car -- much easier than groping about under the car on your back.

The bushings are all the same, at least from 1966 to 1985, very stiff Viton. Grease won't hurt them, and I'm not sure it is possible to get them into the brackets without it while under the car.

If you can get the car on a lift for this job, it is vastly easier!

Peter