Which shifter rod bushing tool is better?
 

This factory Mercedes tool I can get for $35:
http://startekinfo.de/etools/content/tool.jsp?toolno=900 589 27 43 00 or this one on Ebay for $48: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380291209593&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

The Ebay tool looks like it would work better in tight spaces with it's long reach but is probably a Made In China piece that may not last long. The Mercedes tool looks like someone made out of scrap parts and a ViceGrip. Anyone tried either of these?

Save your $$.
It can be done without the use of a tool. Just let the bushings sit in boiling water for about 15 minutes to soften them up....then just manhandle it until it fits on.

If you remove the bracket completely, which is no more than 2mins more work, whack it in with a rubber mallet against the floor (must be soaked first though either way).

I loosened the nut and bolt on the bracket but it still wouldn't come off, do you have to take the bolt all the way out? And is the bracket keyed to only go on one way?

Yes, and yes. FWIW, you can cut the bushing slightly diagonal and then "screw" it into the bracket.

OK I got the bracket off, put the new bushing on with a press and put it back in the car. Now the one going on the shifter looks to be a pain to do in the car.

Remove the whole shifter.

Dang it, and I just had everything apart a few days ago to replace the shifter bulb.

I removed the shifter (took 2 hours) and got the new bushing on (took 30 seconds). Put it back in the car and connected the shift rod which took another hour to do since it hits the transmission tunnel as you try to get it in the bushing. Had to loosen the shifter again to allow the rod go in. And of course the neutral safety switch still won't let it start in park so I'll have to take apart most of what I already did to replace that. ARRGH!

You probably just need to adjust the NSS. Set the parking brake, put the shifter in Reverse, and adjust til the reverse lights come on, that's one quick way to do it.
Gilly

I already got it out and with over 200,000 miles I might as well change it since they are only $15.

seems like a tool that saves 2 hrs to remove a shifter might be worth it!


NSS for $15? Maybe $115.

I paid $15.05 at the local import auto parts store and put it in last night.

http://www.fototime.com/20348744EF9F860/standard.jpg

But I don't think there is access to GET to the lever at the bottom of the shifter (enough to touch it, but not enough to do any work). If MB was "really" smart they would have put the bushings only on the rod, and the pins on both arms.
Gilly

Gilly,

I cannot remember what it's like under my W124's... as it's been a while for the bushings. The W123's I'd just take the piece off the transmission and it's only a minute with a socket & a vise to install.

I was thinking the tool might make getting the one off the shift lever next 2 the driveshaft easier. I've pried them in using some boards.. to lever- goes in pretty easy as I remember- but never fun. I was always hoping to purchase a tool and make it easier. Seems like if it saves 2 hrs in labor to purchase a $40 tool- all the shop techs would have it? Last time I was at a shop a few weeks ago.. I asked one of the older guys what his tool looked like. He couldn't find it and was pissed... guess it someone had borrowed and not put it back.

Michael

When Mercedes designs something, I think all they care about is that a part last 4 years or 50,000 miles. After that it comes out of the customers wallet. But thats true for most all the car makers these days. And I would assume the Mercedes tool would work just fine and be cheaper too.