Honestly, it is like having a new car!

The two bushings on the long link that runs from the shifter to the side of the trans were completely gone on my car. The shifter rattled, it was sloppy as all get out, and generally made the car seem old and loose.

The shifter now feels like new...very tight and precise.

The best part is now the car seems so quiet and solid. I had no idea how much noise was coming from that linkage. If I had not done the work myself, I would have sworn work had been done to the suspension. It seems that much tighter. I realize it is just a rattle reduction, but it is amazing what a difference it has made to the perception you have while driving/riding in the car.


Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)

Is there a DIY how-to on this repair?

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JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

This pretty much says it all:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=112582

He talks about replacing all of the bushings. I only replaced the 2 on the rod. You can easily find this rod by looking directly under the shift lever.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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And you do need to get a little creative when pressing the bushing on the end of the shift lever. It is tucked up in the driveshaft tunnel and access is poor...and the bushing is a very tight fit.

I used a socket on the side of the lever opposite the side the bushing was on, with a washer between the bushing and a nut. Bolt through the whole works and tighten it up until the bushing is squeezed on.

Once I had the bushing in the lever, I could no longer get the bolt out...it was too long and was hitting the tunnel (I should have cut it to the min length needed prior to assembly, or maybe put it in from the other side ). I had to sneak a dremel cutting wheel up in there! You'll see what I'm talking about once you get in there.

Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)