Play in the shifter

[porschenewb]

My shifter when in gear can still move completely from side to side like its almost in neutral. Its hard to figure out exactly what gear im about to shift to when there is so much play in it haven't been able to find anything about this. is there supposed to be a plate in there to keep it from moving around. Btw the center console is not in if that helps.

[mikeran]

Your shifter is worn out look for the shifter replacement thread on how to change it. Works great, what a total difference it made on my car when we changed out the shifter and bushing.

[2Tight]

Usually excessive side to side play is caused by barrel shaped wear on the shift lever pin and hour-glassed wear on the shift rod end. I've done this repair a few times and it works well. Pull up your shift boot and check for play. If not there it's at your transaxle shift mechanism.

http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/tech-july-03.htm

[porschenewb]

here is a picture if it helps

[2Tight]

How much play is in the shift lever pin/shift rod connection? Does the bottom of the shift lever move around? It could be the nylon cup on the bottom of the shift lever is broken. You shouldn't see wear marks on the metal opening like that unless something is seriously worn out. Look for play up front first, if it seems tight it's in the rear linkage above the transaxle. There are rubber bushings and a harder nylon bushing that can deteriorate back there. If the wear at the shifter is excessive on the shift lever pin it doesn't do all that much to just replace the shift lever as it will wear out quickly unless the shift rod is reamed and a properly sized bushing installed.

[whippetdave]

Here is a photo to show wear on the shift lever.



If you replace the shift lever, the best way to get the lever out of the ball cup bushing is to place the unit in hot water for about a minute. If you do that, the ball will pop out of the cup MUCH easier. I hope this is helpful to someone.