Shifter wiggle/movement in 2nd gear

[BA4IN775]

Hello again Audizine. Lately while driving I've been noticing the shifter has some wiggle/ movement while in 2nd gear. I've read posts on this forum and others about the same thing. Read everything from possible synchro going out to this being normal. The car is a 03 A4 with a manual 5 speed. The car has 190,000 miles on it. Engine was replaced with a rebuilt one approximately 10,000 miles ago, I got the old engine from the seller. I already purchased Audi gear oil from ECS to do a trans fluid change...don't know what kind of fluid the guy used in the transmission. He also replaced the clutch when he did the engine, I got the old clutch to. All other gears have no movement and it seems to shift good between gears. I am planning on changing out the snub mount. Just wanted to get some opinions if this is something I should worry about, or if it's normal? Also any suggestions if there is anything I can do to keep it from wiggling around would be appreciated. For some reason it draws my attention. I've read about changing mounts, installing a short throw shifter, etc. looking for some experienced opinions. Thanks!!

[MoparFreak69]

Some movement is normal as the shifter is anchored off the transmission body for fore/aft shifter movement. The engine and transmission are rubber mounted for noise and vibration control, also causing flex as the rubber gives. You probably notice it more in second because you are probably doing most of your acceleration in that gear.
Having said that, if your shifter is moving 1/4" or more during acceleration/deceleration then you need to start looking at motor and transmission mounts as they are probably torn or worn down.

[BA4IN775]

Thanks for the response Moparfreak69. I'm already redoing the suspension components. I'll add the transmission and diff mounts to the list. The engine mounts have already been changed. Do you have any thoughts on short throw shifters?

[old guy]

A short shifter and a new aftermarket snub mount makes an unbelievable difference in the feel of your shifter. Whenever anyone drives my car that is the first thing they comment on. It makes everything tight and precise.

[BA4IN775]

Thank Old Guy. Snub mount is already on the list, I'll add a short throw to it. I read a post where you and other people were recommending the JHM short throw shifters. Are there any other ones to look at, or are the JHMs still the best?

[texasboy21]

JHM is by far the best, they replace the plastic pivor assembly with a bearing, replace the shifter mounts with delrin, and are the only folks that offer a linkage upgrade (rubber to metal). The trio package was by far one of the best, if not THE best mod to my car to date.

[old guy]

I have a Hypershift short shifter. Totally happy with it. Unfortunately it was produced by a company named Stratmosphere that closed their doors a few years ago. AMS (Advanced Motorsports Solutions) made a decent one but I'm not sure if they are still in business either.

You certainly can't go wrong with JHM. Their trio package is going to make the shifter as good as it can get, but with one down side. It will increase the NVH a little. Just the shifter by itself shouldn't change the NVH but when you add the other two components all the rubber isolation is removed and you will notice a little more noise and vibration.

[texasboy21]

Majority of the NVH can be mitigated by installing a rubber washer or two between the transmission and delrin bushing.