Rattling/Noisy Stick Shift
 

HI there techs,

The 4 spd stick shift of my 82' W123 is beginning to emit a rattling noise every time I apply the gas. Seems to be progressive and the cabin is filled with this noise recently. :confused:

I am not too sure whether this is due to the plastic/urethene shift bushings (??) or some loose linkage, the rattling does sound like some loose bolts and nuts.

Please help! Larrybible, perhaps you can drop me a hint, you always had.

Thanks!;)

Rattle in shifter
 

Sounds to me like the shift bushings are gone. Check the flex disc and the center driveshaft support also.

Thanks Stan,

Will try to look into that this weekend, will keep you and the rest informed of the outcome.

Thanks again! :)

$.75 shift bushing on ours
 

Had a rattle in our shifter too. Turned out to be a $.75 shift linkage bushing.... > BOBB :rolleyes:

That is a good thought too!! I will look into it. Thanks guys, you are a great bunch!! :D

Same thing happened on my 300D. Here's an earlier thread about it:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=9629&highlight=bushing

Hey Zoonhollis,

What you had described is exactly what I am facing now, especially trying to silence the rattling sound.

Hmmm, looks like I'll have to get under the car no matter what, say, when you said "remove the housing", which part is that? Thought it would be good to get some more instructions, so I can get the job done sooner this weekend. :D

Thanks again, guys, will keep you all informed.

Cheers!!

Benzie,

I'm not as familiar with the standard tranny. My automatic had a "housing" type shell that has the "P," "N," "D," etc. on it. When I removed that, and then the mechanism beneath it, I was able to get to the linkage without even getting out of the car. I suspect your standard tranny may be a bit different.

Good luck.

Well, Zoonhollis, Stan,

I went over to my buddy's workshop over the weekend and jacked the car right up. There you have it, the urethane bushes (3 of them) for the three linkages were nearly completely gone!! (Cracked and broken)

The urethane bushes were bought for about US$ 0.50 each and I proceeded to dismantle the linkages (For good measure, I also bought new securing spring clips for the linkages.)

The pain was trying to 'squeeze' the new bush into the linkage eye, as the urethane was pretty hard. I used a short hollow tube with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the bush to push the bush into the eye with the help of a bench vice. A little grinding of the bush face was needed to ensure that the linkage securing clip fitted well. The whole job took about 2 hours, but I have a great rattle-free ride now, the way a benz should perform.

Thanks guys, you have been a real great help. :D

Cheers!!!