shifter loose - left to right

[tedder]

So after nearly a year of ownership it seems like the shift lever is getting to be loose but only in the left-right direction (not front to back). This is in an 86 Carrera with the factory short shift kit.

It is more significant in 1-3-5 and much smaller amplitude in 2-4.

Basically the shift lever moves back and forth about 2-3" at the knob.

Also, the reverse gear lockout does not seem to be present and I have 'dinged' reverse downshifting from 5-4.

So, to the experts out there, does this sound like a simple DIY one day fix, or should I ante up for a mechanic to check it out before I break something for real? My mechanical abilities are moderate (moderately low really) but I would rather do it myself unless it involves dropping the tranny or something major.

[Oh Haha]

This is most likely just your bushings needing replacement. Do a search here under " shifter bushings" and you will get all of the info you need. You can do this with just some simple tools. I would also suggest that you get yourself a Bentley repair manual or at the very least "101 projects for your 911." A lot of repairs on these cars can be done by the average DIY'er.

[tedder]

Thanks, I have the 101, haynes and Bently manuals already. If it is just the shifter bushings (already searched on that) I can probably handle it myself.

My biggest challenge as a mechanic is diagnosis, I don't want to open up (and possibly make anything worse) the wrong part for the problem I see.

[Oh Haha]

You are all set to dig in. Don't worry about making things worse, in this case anyway. Just follow the instructions and post here if you have any trouble. Take digital pictures if you can. The feeling you'll have when you are done is worth the trouble.

[ruf-porsche]

Check the coupler in the tunnel behind the seats.

[elflamo]

Just replaced the bushing in my shifter as well. Very easy!

However, it turns out that one of the small springs inside the shifter is 'over-stretched'. This still leaves some 'sloppiness'in the left/right direction. Anyone know where to get these springs, our host doesn't have them available.

Also, does the top plate of the L-shaped bracket underneath the shifter go between tunnel top and shifter base plate or under the tunnel top?

Dennis

[Early_S_Man]

The coupler has two bushings that tend to deteriorate and crumble apart into two small piles on the tunnel floor! This phenomenon can happen slowly or overnight, causing a very noticeable increase in slop at the shift knob. Look at the coupler with a good light while an assistant moves the shift knob left and right in neutral ... if the coupler follows shifter motion closely, that isn't the problem! If, on the other hand, it barely moves the transaxle selector shaft with full motion of shift knob left-to-right, then you found the problem!

The following annotated pic from the Pelican article on replacing the shift rod seal may be helpful: