Loose gear shift.

[GB83SC]

Just out of nowhere my gear shift has become very sloppy and loose, even when the car is in gear you can move it around abit.
All the gears go in but the shift is sloopy.
I have looked at the rear joints under the inspection plate and all is secure. The trany is a 915 with a Porsche short shift kit in place.
I have not pulled the shift up from the floor to inspect the front.
Please let me know if you have experienced the same issues.
Thanks.

[Jeff Alton]

Pull up the lever and check the ball cup bushing at the bottom of the gear lever. You should not have too much trouble finding the problem, there is not too many places to look.

Jeff

[Eugene at Pelican Parts]

How sudden was the change? I'd definitely dig into the shifter mechanism after you reassure the rear coupler is snug and proper. Sounds like a worn ball cup, or just something loosened up down there. I doubt it is tranny related.

[Chuck Moreland]

If it happened "suddenly" it is likely the shifter fork back in the transaxle. Remove the access cover and check to see it hasn't worked loose, tighten as required.

[GB83SC]

Chuck.
I removed the inspection plate at the rear, the joints are all tight with no movement, it just feals like the front shift is loose.
The gears feel tight but you can wiggle the shift without affecting the gear placement.

[porsche_virus]

I had a similar problem. I replaced the black hard rubber bushings in the rear shift coupler, the front ball cup, and most importantly, the shift rod bushing in tunnel behind shifter can wear out and break or simply pop out. Here's what to look for...

[911pcars]

George,
It sounds like the nylon ball socket is worn. To inspect it, remove the (3) M8 and (2) M6 bolts that hold down the shift housing assembly, then pull up. If you haven't changed this in awhile, it's probably shot. There's also a bearing bushing that supports the shift tube that should be replaced.

- Bearing bush, Part # 914 424 224 00
- Ball socket, Part # 911 424 139 00
- Shift coupler bushings, Part # 695 424 223 00, need 2 (aftermarket versions also available)

Sherwood Lee
htpp://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

Also, check this page for a pic of the shift housing assy. and more info.

[Pat S]

My vote is broken ball socket as well. I bought a 74 with lots of play and that was the problem. Real easy and cheap to fix. I replaced all the shift bushings for <40 including having the coupler bushings pressed in by a local shop. Feels great now.

There's a kit for all the bushings on this site: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/POR_911M_911REC_pg27.htm

[Rick Lee]

My vote is ball cup bushing. It's the same part on 915's as on G50's, but I think it's just inverted on the 915's. Easy, one hour job. I trashed mine at a high perf. driving clinic.

[joehahn]

i vote for the bushing in the tunnel towards the lever (the red one in porsche virus's picture). i had similar problem. if it IS that one be patient when putting it in, use a screwdriver to start the edge and slowly work around....

See Rich's picture too. It is OK to drink darker beers (more alcohol) when completing a safe/easy project like this. If you are dealing with gas and electrics, being under the car etc, you can ONLY drink lighter beers like michelob ultra, natural light, they are safer for the more dangerous projects. also, if you are a smoker...try to stay at least 2 feet away from fuel lines, carbs etc w/lit cigarette.

joe 68 L

(can you tell that my friends are all playing golf and i am stuck here at work losing my mind....take care everyone...have a happy 4th!)

[red-beard]

Go ahead and do all the bushing in the shift rod, and the ball cup, but....

Take apart the shifter itselt. Remove the lockout plate and inspect it. Then disassemble the shifter and look at the 2 internal bushings and the spring. Usually these wear out and no one replaces them. These can also lead to lots of slop in the shifting.

James

[Eugene at Pelican Parts]

Originally posted by joehahn
i vote for the bushing in the tunnel towards the lever (the red one in porsche virus's picture). i had similar problem. if it IS that one be patient when putting it in, use a screwdriver to start the edge and slowly work around....

mine pressed in real easy when squeezed with a vise... but it never hurts to be careful.

[McDaniel]

As you have probably already found, your problem is the
bushings. Mine, in the '74 I'm rebuilding, had gone to powder.
I strongly recommend while you're in there to replace all three.
Here are the Pelican part #s and prices...

Ball Cup Shift Bushing Part# C-424-139-00 $6.75
Shift Rod Bushing in Tunnel #B-424-224-00 $6.85
Shift Coupler Bushings (pair) #C-424-223-90 $16.00

Good Luck!

[1982911sc]

When I bought my car that was one of the problem areas, at the PPI I had the independant shop rebush the entire shfiter and linkage and the ball cup. It felt new after that! I have not had a missed shift since this was done, plus it was pretty inexpensive (especially if you do it yourself). I takes out all of the slop and helps guide your shifts. good luck!

[wevoid]

Installing the shift tube bushing in the tunnel is made a great deal easier if you warm it up.
Boil a cup of water in the microwave, put the bush in the hot water for a couple of minutes and it becomes very pliable.
It is now pretty easy to push into the "L" shaped carrier by hand, no tools required.
I always install them with the large flange (the one that will not go through the hole) facing the front of the car.

Regards

Hayden

[GB83SC]

I took my car apart today and the problem was a broken old shift rod bushing. I am going to replace both the shift rod and ball cup bushings while it is apart.
Thanks for all your inputs!!
Pelican board ( there is no substitute)