I noticed overnight that when I shift my 1989 260e in and out of gear, I hear a metal clanking sound. It used to be typical low thump sound when I shift, barely audible. The tranny shifts and works perfect. Just concerned it was something that might be trouble, or a loose shifter linkage. Is the shifter linkage attached on the outside of the tranny? anyone else have this sound? The car does have 256,000.
Thanks

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shift linkage bushings have failed

yes the shift linkage rod bushings have failed.this is a frustrating job if you have the right tools and a lift and a cold repeat cold car.on your back with just a jack you will indeed be houdini.david poole european performance dallas tx.

is it necessary to change these bushings? If you do not change them, will there be any more damaged caused from this to other parts of the tranny or drivetrain? I have the same problem.

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2001 E55

2001 E320 Sedan

2001 Subaru Legacy

2006 SLK280

2016 Subaru Outback 3.6

Yes I would love to know if you must repair this problem. I can live with the noise. Would love to skip fixing it. Hell, the car could finally die anytime, it has 256,000 mi.

the only potential problem if you dont fix it is that one day you will be in a hurry to park and exit the car and you will not realise that the trans did not go into park with the resulting nasty implications.of less consequence is the day you get in and find that neither park or neutral line up with the safety switch and it won't start.this can be overcome by moving shift lever around while you turn the key.[not recommended for swift getaways while robbing banks] but to answer your question no other harm will occur to car. david poole european performance dallas tx.

I just did the gear stick bush last weekend and it was about 1 hour of total frustration. In the end I used a vise grip to clamp it on and wriggle it around and it popped in.

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1992 124 E200 (Euro)

I did this recently on my 1991 300CE. There are plenty of threads on this topic. The bushings are only about $1 each (only plase I found them was AutoHauzArizona), you need 2. If your car is similar to my car, it is easiest to remove the linkage and do one of the bushings on the bench. The other bushing has to be done under the car and is trickier. Both are done with a bolt/nut,washer pusher and socket receiver contraption made up from your tool chest. You are tightening the nut on the bolt and pushing the bushing on. Some have suggested first putting the bushing in hot water, while others with Popeye fingers say just reach up and squeeze them in. It is an easy straightforward job but can be time consuming if you don't have the right combination of tools.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

Thanks for the tips, I think I will tackle the repair, not to big a deal I guess. Neglect one thing, and you start to neglet everything. later!