loose shift lever?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 826
Likes: 4
From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
loose shift lever?
My 1995 E320 with 120K miles seems to have a loose shift lever. It sometimes doesn't engage drive until I wiggle it a bit and it actually feels loose. Is it possible to simply tighten the shift lever, or is that really something down in my transmission?
My son has been driving the car and he may a be a bit more rough with things than I was. The shift lever feels bad compared to when I was driving the car. You know he also tore a hole in the thinning leather on the driver's seat bolster within the first week of driving the car. He also hit a curb and a fence in the second or third week. The damage is very minor, but clearly the car is deteriorating much more rapidly with my 17-year-old some behind the wheel.
My son even managed to lose a penny behind the airbag in the steering wheel. The penny rolls around in there and sometimes makes the horn honk. It really is totally ridiculous what is happening to that poor old car. Next week my wife and son will be dropping the car off for an oil change and to get that penny put of there. I will also ask about the shift lever, but I was hoping someone here might know something to make me feel better about it maybe not being the transmission.
The good news is my son stays far away from my new VW Golf TDI!!!
Thanks guys!
I think I may have found the answer over at peachparts. It sounds like it could be worn bushing on the trans selector arm/link. The good news is it sounded like a relatively inexpensive repair, even if I have my Indy do the work. I would still welcome any encouragement form you guys in the know.
My son has been driving the car and he may a be a bit more rough with things than I was. The shift lever feels bad compared to when I was driving the car. You know he also tore a hole in the thinning leather on the driver's seat bolster within the first week of driving the car. He also hit a curb and a fence in the second or third week. The damage is very minor, but clearly the car is deteriorating much more rapidly with my 17-year-old some behind the wheel.
My son even managed to lose a penny behind the airbag in the steering wheel. The penny rolls around in there and sometimes makes the horn honk. It really is totally ridiculous what is happening to that poor old car. Next week my wife and son will be dropping the car off for an oil change and to get that penny put of there. I will also ask about the shift lever, but I was hoping someone here might know something to make me feel better about it maybe not being the transmission.
The good news is my son stays far away from my new VW Golf TDI!!!
Thanks guys!
I think I may have found the answer over at peachparts. It sounds like it could be worn bushing on the trans selector arm/link. The good news is it sounded like a relatively inexpensive repair, even if I have my Indy do the work. I would still welcome any encouragement form you guys in the know.
Last edited by ksing44; Jul 17, 2010 at 12:20 PM. Reason: found some info with search
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 301
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1994 E420
yup its worn shifter bushings. Kind of a pita if you dont have the pliers they make specifically for this job. The one of the transmission isnt bad because you can just undo the bracket and do it in a vise, but the one at the bottom of your shift lever will annoy you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
What other kind of Snap-on attachments do you have?
I'vebeen wrestling with my shifter too. It's a bit of a fiddle, but once you've beenin there, you'll see that it's fairly simple, with the right tools.
However, I just tightened the fork at the base of the shaft - my bushings are ok.
Good luck - you may be able to do this on your own, or Indie quick fix.
Sounds like No issues with the TDI.
I'm assuming you're very happy with it ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
1990 300ce 24v I6
Um, needlenose. Right, that is what I meant :P
I used them to remove the C-Clips from the shifter assembly so I could replace the bushing there and at the same time, swap my shifter rod for the shorter w202 C-Class one.
The one at the trans I know nothing about, that got tackled by my mechanic when I had all the fluids flushed & replaces in February.
I used them to remove the C-Clips from the shifter assembly so I could replace the bushing there and at the same time, swap my shifter rod for the shorter w202 C-Class one.
The one at the trans I know nothing about, that got tackled by my mechanic when I had all the fluids flushed & replaces in February.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
Um, needlenose. Right, that is what I meant :P
I used them to remove the C-Clips from the shifter assembly so I could replace the bushing there and at the same time, swap my shifter rod for the shorter w202 C-Class one.
The one at the trans I know nothing about, that got tackled by my mechanic when I had all the fluids flushed & replaces in February.
I used them to remove the C-Clips from the shifter assembly so I could replace the bushing there and at the same time, swap my shifter rod for the shorter w202 C-Class one.
The one at the trans I know nothing about, that got tackled by my mechanic when I had all the fluids flushed & replaces in February.
That was a PITA the first time. Have been in there a couple of times since, totighten the same nut, and now, the indicator light is not working!!!
I can do the whole thing quickly now, but still have not figured out the light problem!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 826
Likes: 4
From: Southeast PA
2010 VW Golf TDI
Thank you everyone for your replies. Now I am definitely feeling better and pretty confident that it will only be the bushings this time. I am going to let the Indy tackle it while he does a few other things. I am sure he has a nice pair of pliers.
Regarding the TDI, it really is great. Emotionally it took some time to let go of the Benz, but now I am very happy in my new car. It has so many new creature comforts, like a touchscreen radio that has Sirius, iPod connectivity, SD card slot, 30 gig hard drive for music, DVD and CD player, and of course the navigation. I also have the Dynaudio upgrade stereo speakers and amp so it sounds decent in stock form.
The TDI also has full bluetooth connectivity for the phone, although I did have to add an upgraded bluetooth module that is going in the newer 2011 cars. Mine was hands free receiving but not for dialing. With the upgraded module now I have my phonebook downloaded on the touchscreen and on my multifunction display between the gauges. I can control the phone from the touchscreen, the steering wheel, or with voice controls.
The TDI also handles great and I am getting awesome mpg. It has the xenon lights that angle with the road when you turn. It really is pretty cool beans and it is plenty of fun to drive. All in all, I am very satisfied with the car and I am glad I made the switch. It was a must considering the change in my commute. I now drive about 80 miles everyday, so the double mpg compared to the Benz is a great help and I don't worry at all about maybe breaking down far from home.
It ain't easy giving up a W124, but I think it can set you free once you are finally willing to move on. Good luck to all of you with your cars and thanks again for your help and reassurance about the shifter bushings.
Regarding the TDI, it really is great. Emotionally it took some time to let go of the Benz, but now I am very happy in my new car. It has so many new creature comforts, like a touchscreen radio that has Sirius, iPod connectivity, SD card slot, 30 gig hard drive for music, DVD and CD player, and of course the navigation. I also have the Dynaudio upgrade stereo speakers and amp so it sounds decent in stock form.
The TDI also has full bluetooth connectivity for the phone, although I did have to add an upgraded bluetooth module that is going in the newer 2011 cars. Mine was hands free receiving but not for dialing. With the upgraded module now I have my phonebook downloaded on the touchscreen and on my multifunction display between the gauges. I can control the phone from the touchscreen, the steering wheel, or with voice controls.
The TDI also handles great and I am getting awesome mpg. It has the xenon lights that angle with the road when you turn. It really is pretty cool beans and it is plenty of fun to drive. All in all, I am very satisfied with the car and I am glad I made the switch. It was a must considering the change in my commute. I now drive about 80 miles everyday, so the double mpg compared to the Benz is a great help and I don't worry at all about maybe breaking down far from home.
It ain't easy giving up a W124, but I think it can set you free once you are finally willing to move on. Good luck to all of you with your cars and thanks again for your help and reassurance about the shifter bushings.
