Broken shifting rod 230SL

[tempur]

Dear Pagoda friends,

Don't ask how I did this but the shifting rod on my 1966 230SL's automatic transmission broke.  This happened as I was maneuvering to leave the workshop where I usually bring the car for maintenance. What are the odds?
I was less pleased to find out, however, that the part (A 113 260 07 33) is no longer available from MBZ (Europe).  Would anyone know if there is a replacement part available or, alternatively, can a shifting rod from another Mercedes of that period be used?

Thanks for helping out,
Tempur   

[ctaylor738]

Are you certain that the rod broke?  That is a serious piece and isn't under strain unless it's hitting the transmission plate because the motor and/or transmission mounts have collapsed.  Usually one of the bushings falls apart and the rod falls out of one of the holes.

[tempur]

Thanks.  The first reaction from the mechanic was that the rod was broken although he couldn't look at it in great detail.  I'm encouraged by your reply and hope that it's only one of the bushings (the car only has 25K miles under its belt so it would make sense).

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hello tempur,

Welcome to the Pagoda SL Group, let us know how you make out with your mechanic. Wow only 25K miles on your car must be a nice one and well taken care of ... Post some pictures when you can, we all love to see other folks cars.

And as they say down south ... "You all come back now hear"

Hope you resolve it with just a new bushing, what Chuck said makes a lot of sense.

[J. Huber]

My guess is it is the bushing, not the shaft itself.

Here is a play-by-play of my recent upper broken bushing... hope it helps.

The bushings are very inexpensive -- available from our vendors and probably MB directly. Buy at least two...

1. Remove carpet from floor and tunnel. These sections should not be glued down.
2. Remove for bolts holding shift gate box on. Be careful not to drop them in the abyss.
3. Lift shifter out of the way. Down in the tunnel somewhere is the shift rod, you have to find it and get a hold of it.
4. Remove broken bushing pieces from the eyelet if its still there -- other half might be on the shifter.
5. Heat up a cup of water in the micro to boil -- soak the new bushing for 10 mins to soften it a little.
6. Press new bushing into eyelet. Small hole faces drivers side (LHD). Attach shift gate arm mechanism to the shift rod, press it until its snaps in.
7. Reattach shift gate, reattach carpet. Be sure lever is firmly in Park when you start car. Test the shifter positions -- drive on!

If it is the lower bushing it is even easier. With car on lift, the shift rod is visible. Remove old broken bushing and squeeze new one on (4-6 above)...

This job could be done in less than an hour for sure. It could also be done out in the real world where you are stranded. If you keep a set of the bushings handy and have a pair of pliers, a 10mm wrench (and if possible some really hot water) you can pull off the fix.

[tempur]

Thanks to all for the welcome advice.  Indeed, after more careful scrutiny, the problem turned out to the lower bushing which had disintegrated causing the rod to disconnect.  I still have to replace the upper bushing (which still looks in good shape) but am reluctant to remove the carpet covering the tunnel (glued or not glued)?  For the moment I can shift gears again and enjoy the autumn sun.  Here's a picture of the car as requested by Rolf-Dieter: