Shifter bushings -- walk me through this DIY
 

I have a 1991 190E 2.6. Can someone out there walk me through the replacement? My shifter is "squeeking" over bumps, etc.

brookspw

Brooks:

Look underneath the car, below the auto shifter. There are two bushings to replace -- one that connects the shifter to the linkage and one that connects the linkage to the tranny housing. If you feel any "play" in your gear shifter then this is definitely the problem. You may have to replace one or both of them.

Good luck ... email if you have any Q's

~Paul

____________________
'91 300E, 210K miles

It does sound like one or both of your shift linkage bushings has failed. They simply disintegrate, a very common problem. Unfortunately they didn't leave a lot of room to access the lever on the side of the trans, that contains one of the bushings. I generally lower the trans. mount support bracket and wedge a piece of wood between the trans. and the tunnel. If you warm the new bushings a little and use a long pair of needle nose pliers and a little white grease for lubrication, with a little patience you'll get the job done. I have seen cars that eventually have the shift linkage become disconnected and leave the car in what ever gear that its in. Good luck!

You can make up a little "press" tool by using a piece of all thread, flat washers and some nuts. Spray the bushing down good with SylGlide or something similar and compress it till it is in position. If they are old and worn enough there will not be anything left to take out - it will already be gone.

I replaced both sets of shifter bushings on my 300E and 560SEL. The new bushings are not fun to install at all. Besides the tightness of the space, especially the rear one attached to the shifter, the new bushings does not go in the hole just pushing it with your thumb even with the use of lubricant. Can't get much leverage at all. The front one is not as bad because you can remove it and work it on a vise.
What I did was use 3" long bolt and some flat washers and a short socket ( almost the size of the bushing). Used it like a small press. It worked but it still was a pain. A couple of times, the corners around the hole cut onto the plastic bushing. Make sure to smooth them out. Good luck!!!

Rocket: Do you think your wood block wedge would work with a C280? I need to replace my bushings as well. I dread it!

Put them in hot water...
 

to soften the compound. They are more "user friendly" afterwards.;)