shift coupler bushings... How?

[jcsjcs]

I have new bushings for my shift coupler (84 911 with 915).

How do I get the coupler apart to install?

I don't have a press - so tried to hammer the shaft out with no luck.

[mickey356]

I've heard it is not an easy task. I'm just going to buy a new one (Wevo or stromski). You might be able to have a local shop do it for you. The couplers are aluminum and easy ruined if you font use the proper tools, or so it says in Waynes book.

[TR]

Hammer bad--thats for carpenters not automotive engineers.

Vice with a guard over the face.

you can use two sockets, a large one on one side and a long thin one on the other.


Place the sockets on each side of the coupler. Then wind the vice in slowly making sure the pin slides inside the large socket. You may need to use the plug socket on one side Don't push the shaft all the way out. And don't push too hard if there is too much resistance, spray some WD40 and let it soak in. You only need to clear enough space to get the bushes out.

Fit bushes and do the reverse, if it is too tight, revers again and relieve a bit of tension.

Job done --reinstall

cheers

terry

[tabasco]

Originally Posted by Terrance Raath

you can use two sockets, a large one on one side and a long thin one on the other.

Agreed. With a 2 sockets from the right size it works well in a vice.

But I push the pin all the way out, so I can clean it and put it in the freezer.

Pressing the pin out with sockets kills the original bushings, because the center piece is not hold in any way, so all the stress is on the bushings.
And when you put the new ones in, you want the minimum amount of effort to put the pin back in, because again, all the stress will be on the bushings.

What worked really well last time I did one was to clean the pin, to remove all the rust.
I made it shiny, especially in the middle. The middle is slightly oversized.
Then I put the pin in the freezer for 20 min, to shrink it a bit.
Then I warmed the other part slightly with a heat gun.
The pin went in very easily, I pushed it by hand and finished with a light blow from the hammer.
Very easy. No stress on the bushings.

-Guillaume

[mickey356]

Or you could do it that way

[jcsjcs]

Brilliant - will try now and report back.

[jcsjcs]

Amazing! Two sockets and my trusty vice - and the bushings were out!

I was able to clean things up, install the new bushings and reinsert the pin with no problems. I did use the vice for the final 1/4" - but the pressure was not great.

Question: ZERO side to side motion and the up and down is a bit tight. Is this how the coupler is supossed to be or did mine get out of whack a bit? When I say tight up and down - it moves smoothly but takes a bit of pressure in my hands.

Thanks!
Jonathan

[jcsjcs]

FYI - per a conversation with Gary Fairbanks (915 transmission guru) - the old bushings are a bit oval and looser than the new style. He prefers the old style as the oval and looser fit transmits less engine vibration to the shift lever. I will be curious to see if it bothers me when I get my car back together.

[dicklague]

I think stiffer is better. I have a Wevo and it has no play and it is wonderful. I actually did repair my old one because I had the bushings on hand. Very easy job acutally

[mickey356]

I just bought a rennshift and was planning on just buying a new coupler, should I try the bushing replacements first? I have a shifter rod bushing and coupler bushings sitting on my work bench but Ive heard the wevo or stromski couplers are better suited for an upgraded shifter. I wouldn't mind saving myself $200 if I can.

[jcsjcs]

This is mine BEFORE... last owner put a piece of wire in the coupler to "tighten" it up. Shifting was messy (to say the least.)

Now as I said above, SUPER TIGHT - can't believe the difference. Unfortunately my engine and transmission are out of the car - so I can't tell you how it feels - but I would suggest trying the bushings first!

[TR]

Glad to be of assistance--maybe

regards

Terry

[jcsjcs]

Worst case, you taught how to use my vice and a couple of sockets as a mini-press!

[JerryL]

Terry has the procedure down.

BUT if you end up with the spare coin, The Stromski unit is a work of art, incredable, NO play in any axis and no binding, SOOO nice!!!
I have seen others selling his as their own, Check it out and buy it from the guy that makes it. Stomski Racing

Regards

[dicklague]

what is the difference between the Stromski and the Wevo?

[rusnak]

I've had both the Stomski and the Wevo. I can't detect any difference at all between the two.

One thing I do like is the pinch clamp made by Wevo. Much stronger than the stock one.

[JerryL]

That is definately a much more substantial clamp vs the stock sheetmetal one.
And as with all Wevo stuff, first class and great guys to work with.

Regards