Auto trans shifter puzzle

[PA Pagoda]

The shifter linkage on my 1971 280SL popped out at the shifter linkage end and its been making me crazy! 
Got new bushings, installed one on the shifter end (trans end seems fine), reinstalled and it keep popping out.
Is there supposed to be some kind of retainer (doesn't seem to be a groove for a clip, etc.) or is it just a press fit?
Although it seems pretty beefy, could the linkage arm be bent?
Any other suggestions?
Also, the rubber shock mount on the rear trans support is shot - any sources for me?
Thanks!
Cary

[PeterW113]

Cary,

It just pops on and should stay on, I am not sure whether its possible to have the linkage or bush on the wrong way around, but it may be worth checking.


Good luck.

Peter

[mdsalemi]

MODERATOR: wrong board for this topic? Should be moved, yes?

Cary, a fellow Pagoda owner just told me of identical woes.  Turns out that the bushings are probably installed either backwards or upside down; apparently they look like they go in one way--intuitively--but they actually fit in another.  Someone who has actually done this should weigh in here, but I just heard this same story last Saturday!

[mbzse]

The shifter linkage on my 1971 280SL popped out at the shifter linkage end and its been making me crazy! 
.../...Any other suggestions?

You may find some useful info in these previous Forum threads:
http://sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=3717
And here
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=TransmissionClutch.Shifter
Quote from Wiki:
"Soak the plastic bushing in very hot water for 15 minutes. This will make the plastic softer and allow for an easier installation. The bushing has a small hole side and a large hole side. The small hole side is what you reattach to the shift gate. It should "pop" in with a little force"

/Hans in Sweden

.

[PA Pagoda]

Thanks to all - some helpful stuff here!
I'm beginning to think I was sent the wrong bushings because mine look symmetrical.
Will check and advise.
Cary

[ctaylor738]

The correct bushings aren't symmetrical. They have a groove on one side that sort of "catches" the end of the rod.  Kind of hard to see.

[ja17]

Yes the bushings have a smaller opening on one side than the other side . Contrary to logic, the small opening must pop over the ball on the linkage first. Tough to get on this way, but it stays on.

[PA Pagoda]

I got these bushings from Mercedes Source and they are definitely symmetrical.
Thanks to mbzse and one of the threads he sent, I have the part # as 112 268 01 50.
Any better places to try other than Mercedes source?

[badali]

Try the classic center in Irvine Ca.  Talk to Tom Hanson.  I just bought 6 of these bushings so I'll have some spares.

[ja17]

Be sure to specify automatic transmission.  The standard transmission bushings are different.

[Iconic]

Yes the bushings have a smaller opening on one side than the other side . Contrary to logic, the small opening must pop over the ball on the linkage first. Tough to get on this way, but it stays on.

My question was confusing and my assumptions wrong.
Please see my next post. Edited September 25th, 2014
Hey Joe,
If I am understanding this correctly, this is not what the tech manual states. So, the bushing gets installed over the ball on the shift linkage first, huh? I assume the same logic on the lower side? Over the ball on the transmission linkage first? Then, in both cases, press the bushing into the hole on the link rod second? Do I have this correct?

All,
It is time for me to give it a try because I've replaced the lower bushing only a long time ago, and now my upper has popped off. I did the lower bushing only because I couldn't figure out how to access the upper bushing.
So, I can't seem to find an answer for this, but the only way I see to have access to the upper bushing is to remove the shifter and linkage rod from the car.
Replace the bushing between the shifter and the link rod. Then install the link rod and shifter assembly from inside the car down towards the transmission.
Then install the bushing between the transmission linkage and the link rod (bushing onto transmission linkage first, as stated above).
Is that correct, I have to do the upper one out of the car and then install the shifter and linkage rod from inside the car, then install the lower bushing?
Thanks,
Mark

[Iconic]

I misunderstood the point of what Joe was stating. I "spoke" with him by email to straighten it out.
When inserting the ball on the linkage into the bushing, it must go in from the side of the bushing with the smaller diameter hole.
This is after the bushing has been installed into the large diameter hole in the shift rod (the rod with a bushing at each end).
I hope this is more clear.
Sorry for the confusion.
Mark