b6 horizontal shifter slop

[iksnoved25]

B6 1.8T 5 speed

The prior owner installed a short shifter in the car. I don't know what brand it is, but I can get in there and check.

Essentially, there is a lot of horizontal play in the shifter while it is in gear. I was debating about just buying a brand new JHM short shifter so I know what I actually have in there and know it is new, however, I just want to confirm that this will correct the issue. The shop I took it too said something is definitely off and said they can find a used stock unit to put in. However, I'd rather install a new short shifter myself. They confirmed that it was not the bushing underneath. Any other ideas or recommendations to correct it? It's pretty bad, I wouldn't want to drive with it this way too long and risk a miss-shift.

Thanks!

[texasboy21]

Sounds like a worn or broken linkage to me. The factory part is rubber, and over time will loosen up. Simply pull up in the shifter surround to expose the shifter. All the short shifters sans JHM reuse the plastic 'ball' pivot assembly. See if yours is damaged.

With the JHM shifter, stabilizer bushing, and linkage my shifter has a few MM of play while in gear.

[iksnoved25]

Sounds like a worn or broken linkage to me. The factory part is rubber, and over time will loosen up. Simply pull up in the shifter surround to expose the shifter. All the short shifters sans JHM reuse the plastic 'ball' pivot assembly. See if yours is damaged.

With the JHM shifter, stabilizer bushing, and linkage my shifter has a few MM of play while in gear.

Thanks for the reply. that was a 100xs better than what the mechanic told me "yeah, somethings not right, I can get a used oem for like $200 from a yard and put that in for you"...No, tell me why its not right. Is it the shifter or something else.

I heard the linkage was more of the front/back movement though, not side to side. Unless I'm wrong about that.

Also, what should I be looking for when I pull the shifter up? See if the ball part is worn? I thought the JHM was a brand new component and didn't reuse anything..only bolted up to the stock connector in the front.

[customa4]

$200 from the yard? The shifter? Thery're on drugs... good drugs...

[iksnoved25]

My thoughts exactly. Don't tell me, oh, its aftermarket, thats the problem. Chances are, its not the problem, because it has better build quality.

My money is on the linkage as well. However, he told me it was fine.

[texasboy21]

Thanks for the reply. that was a 100xs better than what the mechanic told me "yeah, somethings not right, I can get a used oem for like $200 from a yard and put that in for you"...No, tell me why its not right. Is it the shifter or something else.

I heard the linkage was more of the front/back movement though, not side to side. Unless I'm wrong about that.

Also, what should I be looking for when I pull the shifter up? See if the ball part is worn? I thought the JHM was a brand new component and didn't reuse anything..only bolted up to the stock connector in the front.

The linkage is more for side to side, and the stabilizer bushing is for the front to back movement.

Look for damage/excessive wear when you pull the shifter surround.
http://www.cuccarogarage.com/diy-aud...ifter-install/

The JHM does use a new assembly, like I mentioned in my first post. They are the only folks that DO NOT reuse the plastic pivot 'ball'.

Get the car on jackstands and inspect the linkages under the car. See if you can pinpoint what is causing the slop.

[iksnoved25]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I'm convinced now its the linkage after seeing the following videos.

I'll check it out and report back. thanks for all the help!

Before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0i7IIEUDs

After: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrCJ6utpWmg