Bushings for Shift Rod which is the right one?

[Mike K]

While reversing my 280SL auto out of the garage the other day, the gear lever suddenly went free and wouldn't engage. Having read previous posts here, I figured that the shift rod
must have come free due to the bushing having perished. I jacked up the car and got underneath and saw that this was the case.

I went on to the SLS website and found that there are 2 identical looking bushings but with different part numbers. To be safe I ordered 1 of each, @ €1.90 & €3.00 respectively.
These arrived yesterday, in 2 separate plastic bags with no part numbers. They are identical in appearance and size with the only difference being that the one bushing is a more
soft malleable plastic and the other is a much harder plastic.

The bushing which had perished seems to be made of softer plastic, so I replaced it with the softer type bushing. After getting under the car this took all of a minute to do.
All seems to be working and gear shifting now has a more solid feel. However I'm concerned that I may have used the wrong bushing.
Can anyone shed any light on this?

Many thanks,

Mike

[ctaylor738]

The Mercedes PN is 112 268 01 50.  I think the SLS part is 226043.  They are not all that easy to install, meaning it takes a bit of finesse to get the bushing into the linkage and then the rod into the bushing.  The bushing has a hard-to-see lip on one side that catches the groove on the rod.  If you don't get it right it will fall out, usually at the worst possible time.

Cheers,

CT

[Mike K]

Thank you Chuck! The softer bushing slipped on way too easily, hence my concern. I'll repeat the exercise with the other harder plastic bushing today.
I've read that it's best to soften the bushing in hot water before attempting to fit?

SLS part nos. for these 2 bushings I purchased:
226043 & 226843, however they were in a plastic packet with no part numbers or labels, so I don't know which one is which.
It's not the first time this has happened with nearly identical looking parts. It drives me nuts when they do this!

Thanks and best,
Mike

[ctaylor738]

YW.  You might want to try a dealer with the part number to make sure you have the right ones.

I've found that some WD40 or silicone spray works better than hot water.

Cheers,

CT

[Mike K]

Thank again for the feedback Chuck. I removed the softer bushing and replaced it with the much harder one. I followed your advice and used WD-40 as well as a small vice grip to
squeeze the rod into the bushing and linkage, it worked perfectly. I've driven the car several times since and all seems good.

Thanks and best,
Mike

[alchemist]

There is a tool for installing the transmission linkage bushings, it is B7200 Shift Shaft Bushing Installer Pliers. Aftermarket brand, supplied by Stahlwille North America. 250mm (10") long.
Here is the link: http://www.samstagsales.com/mercedes.htm#transmission

[jf308]

Can you replace the bushing without disconnection of the shift rod/ball from the linkage below?  eg. Install from the top?

I have a bushing on order since mine dropped into the tunnel today.  LOL