Author Topic: Automatic Transmission Linkage  (Read 1194 times)

brionsab

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • USA, UT, Springdale
  • Posts: 5
Automatic Transmission Linkage
« on: November 18, 2023, 15:58:09 »
The Shifter suddenly became very sloppy. I ordered and replaced all the bushings. This of course, removed the excess play.

The issue is that I cannot adjust the linkage rod perfectly. In most cars there is a barrel type adjuster to finely align components.  The closest I can get is one entire turn of a thread.

I also suspect the rod was installed backwards at one time by a mechanic.

There is also no access panel present on the center tunnel.

I own the autopress repair manual and am perplexed.

Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

Regards,

Brion
« Last Edit: November 18, 2023, 16:53:40 by brionsab »

Paul99

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • United Kingdom, England, Hampshire UK
  • Posts: 292
  • 230 SL White. 1966.
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2023, 16:08:35 »
you can get access via the gearstick, you need to remove the chrome surround (four screws I seem to recall) which comes away and you can see the linkage, that might help.

brionsab

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • USA, UT, Springdale
  • Posts: 5
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2023, 23:14:28 »
Let me add some photos of the linkage. As stated before, it appears it was installed incorrectly. The issue I am having is wherethe adjustment of the rod occurs. The clevas can adjust; but never is able to connect in the correct position and orientation. There is also play where internally threaded barrel attaches to the rod. Is this normal?


brionsab

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • USA, UT, Springdale
  • Posts: 5
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2023, 23:15:56 »
Yes, I have done so. Thank you.

Benz Dr.

  • Vendor
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7217
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2023, 23:43:38 »
There's a small rubber bushing inside of the barrel. Once that thing falls apart you will have all kinds of play in the linkage. That small part is replaceable PN  113 267 01 83
« Last Edit: November 19, 2023, 00:02:17 by Benz Dr. »
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

brionsab

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • USA, UT, Springdale
  • Posts: 5
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2023, 00:06:00 »
Thank you.

My co-worker and I discussed the possibility of there being a rubber bushing within.

Wow!

brionsab

  • Full Member
  • Junior Level
  • USA, UT, Springdale
  • Posts: 5
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2023, 02:07:49 »
How do you access the nut on the linkage bar? I worked on the car on Sunday. The linkage was reversed. Once it was turned around I was able to dial in the shifters position. I just do not see how to tighten that nut.

merrill

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, TX, Austin
  • Posts: 1362
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2023, 13:57:01 »
attached is the exploded parts diagram from niemoller.

never knew there was a bushing there.
Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

ctaylor738

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, VA, Falls Church
  • Posts: 1161
Re: Automatic Transmission Linkage
« Reply #8 on: November 22, 2023, 18:37:21 »
Better to adjust by loosening the two screws that hold the lever to the transmission and moving the lever (it pivots).  When you think you have the correct adjustment, tighten the bottom screw and see if the linkage moves correctly through the gate.  When you have it right, tighten the upper screw.  Two 10 mm wrenches needed.

Cheers,

CT
Chuck Taylor
1963 230SL #00133
1970 280SL #13027 (restored and sold)
1966 230SL #15274 (sold)
1970 280SL #14076 (sold)
Falls Church VA