Slooppy, loose shifter (1976 280C) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tomas7 · #1 01-03-2018, 07:38 PM

Before I crawl under the old girl....Is there an adjustment or do I need to order bushings or the linkage itself?

Thanks in advance.

rocky raccoon · #2 01-03-2018, 08:08 PM

Usually just bushings. Cheap.

ScooterABC · #3 01-03-2018, 08:27 PM

You will need a small variety of bushings depending on column or floor shift. They are cheep. If there is slop in the steering then you need to replace the steering coupler bushings, which is also cheap but more of a pain.

Tony H · #4 01-03-2018, 10:31 PM

If it's like mine there are bushings at both ends of the shift rods-nylon at the shifter and rubber at the transmission. They were totally gone on mine.

Tomas7 · #5 01-04-2018, 10:34 AM

Thank you very much guys! I'm in search of these bushings. I'll call Pelican parts first.

Mike D · #6 01-04-2018, 10:43 AM

The nylon ones for the shift levers can be a real PITA to install. It helps to heat them in boiling water to soften them. The proper type of pliers help.

https://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Transmission-Bushings-Repair-Plier/dp/B0081V9BVO

Slooppy, loose shifter (1976 280C)-bu_b7200%5B1%5D.jpg

Tomas7 · #7 01-04-2018, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

The nylon ones for the shift levers can be a real PITA to install. It helps to heat them in boiling water to soften them. The proper type of pliers help.

https://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Transmission-Bushings-Repair-Plier/dp/B0081V9BVO

Attachment 146062

I just ordered the parts. Thanks for the tip on boiling them. I'll try without the pliers first. I don't want to spend the money for a tool that I'll probably use only one time. I will keep them in mind, hopefully I will not need them.
Thanks a ton.

Mike D · #8 01-04-2018, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomas7

I just ordered the parts. Thanks for the tip on boiling them. I'll try without the pliers first. I don't want to spend the money for a tool that I'll probably use only one time. I will keep them in mind, hopefully I will not need them.
Thanks a ton.

Why heck, half the fun of working on cars is the accumulation of odd ball tools of which you can't remember their use!

Tomas7 · #9 01-04-2018, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike D

Why heck, half the fun of working on cars is the accumulation of odd ball tools of which you can't remember their use!

This is so true!

hanno · #10 01-05-2018, 06:37 PM

Those pliers work better if you place a metal washer over the pin, then the bushing. It pushes the entire surface of the bushing. On W124 chassis it's easier for me to first remove the shift lever from the trans (assuming automatic) then install the bushing. Shifter side bushing is a lot easier to get to.

Tomas7 · #11 01-06-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanno

Those pliers work better if you place a metal washer over the pin, then the bushing. It pushes the entire surface of the bushing. On W124 chassis it's easier for me to first remove the shift lever from the trans (assuming automatic) then install the bushing. Shifter side bushing is a lot easier to get to.

Yes, It's an automatic. The bushings should be here this Mon., the 8th.

Thanks for the tip.

Idle · #12 01-06-2018, 11:03 AM

I have seen these rust away. Of course then the only recourse is to find an entire assembly.

But if you have to do this the first thing you would want to replace before installing would be the bushings, so it looks like a bushing job no matter what.

Tomas7 · #13 01-06-2018, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idle

I have seen these rust away. Of course then the only recourse is to find an entire assembly.

But if you have to do this the first thing you would want to replace before installing would be the bushings, so it looks like a bushing job no matter what.

Ordered, thank you.