Shift linkage lube
 

So, I've got my factory short shift kit already to go back in (man.. that coupler cone set screw was a bi---!!!!).

I purchased white lithium spray lube, and started to use it, but not sure I'm happy with it. Is this stuff correct? Should I be looking at something "lubier"? It seems too sticky to me.

Cheers,
Todd

Todd,
The lube requirements in the shift housing aren't high, but the steel parts should be lubed to prevent corrosion. Lithium grease, while not waterproof, is fine.

I use a waterproof synthetic lube, Amsoil's version/ You can find an equivalent at NAPA or a larger APS.

Sherwood

I had a short shift kit installed last year, did part myself, and what I couldn't finish I had Fischers in Barrington, IL finish. (A great shop btw with a long history of great work and reputation)

Here's my questinon -- mine squeaks like a SOB -- is a lubricant what might be missing. The squeak is quite annoying warm or cold.

Thanks for advice.

I would say that a squeak is not normal. There are several metal to metal pieces, as well as metal to plastic (urethane perhaps) parts. From what I can tell, everything fits pretty tightly together, at least initially (especially if you did new bushings). What part did you do yourself, and did you see the mechanism before it went back on the car? I'm not sure how you could check, or even lube it up without removing it from the car. I suppose you could potentially squirt some lube where the shift lever goes down into the housing, but that won't help any bushings, which is what I might expect to be the issue.

I submit that the white lithium grease used at the factory is inadequate for long term use. If cleaned and re-lubed every couple of years -- it might be OK!

I use Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Grease with moly #985 or #986.

Here are some pertinent threads on refurbing 915 shifters:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=182774&highlight=shim+9 15+shifter

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54587&highlight=915+shi m+shifter

http://www.seinesystems.com/ShiftHousBluPrint.htm

Thanks Todd, I did the bushings myself, but got stuck.

I will try to squirt some lube down to see if it helps. It is a fairly long fix, so I'd prefer not to have to disassemble.

EarlyS, thanks for the links, moly sounds like a better long term solution I agree. Thanks.

Warren listed some good links.:)

Acapella8,
Since you're going to try the spray technique, I'll recommend motorcycle chain lube in a spray can. It's a grease that's carried in a solvent carrier. The grease is left behind when the solvent evaporates. The spray lube should migrate into the squeaky part of your shift housing. BTW, when does it squeak, fore-aft motion or side-to-side?

Don't use WD40 or equivalent at this point at it'll act like a solvent and wash off the existing lube then leave behind a very thin and not too permanent film of oil.

Sherwood