Flexible shift coupling

expat · 04-06-2003, 11:46 PM

While reparing an aged shift coupling bushing I decided to check out the flexible coupling.

It seemed kinda loose so went to tighten it and in the process I sheared the bolt.

No biggy but...how tightly should the flexible coupling be sandwiched between either of the shaft plates?

Thanks
Mark

PS this is on my 87.

einreb · 04-07-2003, 06:46 AM

Mark,

I don't know the answer to your question... but I was wondering the same thing last night when I looked at mine.

As for the other bushing... how do you get to the hidden 3rd screw to get the shifter console off? I contemplated a surgical cut in the carpet. Then figured that I could remove the carpet by removing the heater control console... but had trouble getting the wires to the switch unhooked.

-Bernie

Dave Ploss · 04-07-2003, 09:39 AM

I've had the console off several times and the first time I did it I made a small straight cut in the carpet right above the 3rd screw. I had a bear of a time trying to pull back the carpet so I went the easy route.

You can't even see the cut and it makes getting the screw back in and out no problem at all. Just use a sharp knife and keep the cut just to the size of the screw head.

Dave

expat · 04-07-2003, 04:29 PM

Hi Bernie,

Yes, same answer as Dave - a small cut in the carpet (but it wasnt a slice it was a hole).

Then again, that was when I had carpet and sound deadner etc. Now have none of that so screws and bolts are easy access.

Hope someone comes back on the flexible coupling thingy. I wonder whether its suppose to be sandwiched in tight or is there meant to be some free play? If its meant to be in there tight, maybe I need a new flexible coupling rubber thingy

Cheers
Mark

einreb · 04-07-2003, 04:40 PM

Mark,

Sorry... Didn't mean to hijack your thread!

I'm also confused about the flex coupling and hope someone chimes in... I think that the flex portion may be a bit deceptive. Maybe I'll vise-grip either side of the coupling and see if there is any play.

-Bernie

-Bernie

einreb · 04-07-2003, 06:16 PM

we'll... it appears that the flexible portion is to dampen the forward/back motion of the shifter and so, it should allow for some 'give'. The two 'bolts' maintain the rotation(left to right shifter motion) that isn't dampened and should not allow any slack.

This thread has some great diagrams with the pieces highlighted that should be replaced...

G50 Balky Shifting Fixed!

I think I also read that the 2002 April Excellence mag has an article on this.

Maybe someone could scan the article?

-Bernie

expat · 04-07-2003, 11:26 PM

Good link Bernie,

Interested in knowing if there's a negative to using the washers to tighten up the flexible coupling. Other than (possibly) removing the 'flexible nature' and (possibly) smoother shifting, does it have a negative impact on gear selection when its already in gear and your travelling over bumps or the chasis is twisting during racing?

Wonder if the racers still have the flexible coupling?

Hmmmm