Can the shifter for a Mercedes designed 5 speed ever feel precise?

[Mighty190]

I replaced the bushings on the transmission side of things on the 89 190e 2.6 5 speed and it still feels terrible. I don't mind the throw but this is a track car so I really hate fumbling with gear changes. Ive decided the issue has to be in the complicated shifter assembly in the car. The bushings in that have to be shot too but is it ever going to feel good if I replace those.

Im temped to just make a 4 speed hurst shifter I have for a muncie trans work. It has 6 gates.

[ccrelan]

People report good results using delrin shifter bushings

[5thscaleracer]

Did you replace the base bushings on the actual shifter assembly?

I have shift kits available.




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[Mighty190]

I replaced the bushings on the transmission. I didn't want to mess with actual shifter without positive feedback from people who have actually done it. Does it actually work well?

[Grzpdlr]

Originally Posted by Mighty190

I replaced the bushings on the transmission side of things on the 89 190e 2.6 5 speed and it still feels terrible. I don't mind the throw but this is a track car so I really hate fumbling with gear changes. Ive decided the issue has to be in the complicated shifter assembly in the car. The bushings in that have to be shot too but is it ever going to feel good if I replace those.

Im temped to just make a 4 speed hurst shifter I have for a muncie trans work. It has 6 gates.

I agree, it feel pretty sloppy. My first car was a AH, Bugeye Sprite and I still can recall the short throw, precise shifting. Part of the problem of the 717-400 is the really sloppy shift rods that just fit loosely in rubber grommets attached to the shifter and the tranny.

[5thscaleracer]

Originally Posted by Mighty190

I replaced the bushings on the transmission. I didn't want to mess with actual shifter without positive feedback from people who have actually done it. Does it actually work well?

It's 80% of the problem


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[BusterBoyBenz]

Replacement shifter parts are all available from MB when I rebuilt the entire shifter internals in one of my 87 300E cars (it had about 230K on it then) it restored it to perfect condition, it was perfectly tight with no slop whatsoever. Parts 8 or 9 years ago where about $60 as I recall.

If you do it right you won't be disappointed. New bushings on the tranny shift arms and shifter arms should be replaced as well of course.

[5thscaleracer]

These are solid so it removes all the slop.


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[fonzi]

Originally Posted by 5thscaleracer

These are solid so it removes all the slop.


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Interesting that those look like two piece bushings. Is that right? Do you use washers or something like that to keep them from separating?


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[BusterBoyBenz]

Originally Posted by 5thscaleracer

These are solid so it removes all the slop.


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What's the durometer of those parts.

I can see the advantages for a low use/wear and tear track car

[5thscaleracer]

It's a 2pc bushing design. One side pushes against the shift rod the other pushes against the clip.

No washer needed


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[5thscaleracer]

Originally Posted by BusterBoyBenz

What's the durometer of those parts.



I can see the advantages for a low use/wear and tear track car

The part is made from delrin acetal resin with ptfe

Specifications are ATSM D6100 ATSM D6778
Tensile strength 9,000psi
Impact strength 1.00 ft-lbs./in

Shore D is about 60-65
Rockwell hardness of about 60

For reference poly bushings are rated shore A 85 or 90

Let me know if you have any more questions.

We have sold 280 kits to date no one has complained about it. Most of the customers are from Europe since there are more 4 and 5 speeds on that side of the world.


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[Mighty190]

Thanks for the info. I'll see what the rest of the team wants to do. Your parts do seem like a good option. Rough estimate on pricing?

[5thscaleracer]

$72.00 shipped anywhere with in the 49 states.


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[fonzi]

Originally Posted by 5thscaleracer

$72.00 shipped anywhere with in the 49 states.


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What's that get you? 6 bushings (front and back on each of the three rods)? Or do you have kits to rebuild the shifters too?




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