Floppy Four Speed

[MBdude]

1969 280SL with Four Speed
My shifter was quite floppy so I ordered the kit to replace bushings, socket, etc.
All done but when in a gear it still has quite a bit of movement side to side.
Up and down is tight.
Is this normal or is there something else that needs attention.?
Thanks

[Tyler S]

There are 4 more bushings at the other end of the shift rod and support arms where they attach to the transmission. You need to remove the carpet and access panel below the blower box to access them. Did you replace these as well?

[MBdude]

I guess those didn't come with the kit so that is the next project.
Thx
Sid in Idaho

[ronpack]

I currently have my 4 speed out and I am looking at it.  I too replaced all of the bushings both ends)  with only minor improvement.
The real problem seems to be the shift tube ( part # 168 on tranny blowup )   It has a vulcanized  rod sticking out that is attached to
a u shaped clevis.  There is a protective safety drift  pin that attached thes two parts There is a vulcanixed fitting between the two parts.  the rubber on mine has sheared and allows the tube and the u shaped part to rotate. This rotation allows the shifter in the car to move excessively   I think that is my problem and it sounds like yours also.  The tube is not available  !!!!     .  I am looking for someone to repalce the vulcanized joint.  If not, I will use some black rubber calk and fix the drift pin with a solid bolt.   If you need a pix of the part, contact me and I will send a diaagram
Not sure, but I think you can remove without taking tranny out  I was taking mine out anyway for a disc repair and noticed the problem
I will post when mine is complete and working

[Tyler S]

Ron, Yes you can remove the shift rod with the trans still in the car. Remove the front and rear bolts and pivot the front of it to the side and down while removing it from the shifter hole in the tunnel.
There is some good information about your repair options on this thread >> http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=21926.msg156633#msg156633

[vande17941]

Make sure you replace the three plates around the shifter know that are tightened down with a bolt on each corner if one is missing or broken. Mine was vibrating like crazy because some dumb ass never reinstalled the rubber rectangle plate at the bottom of the other two plates...massive play, massive vibration.

[MBdude]

Possibly you solved my problem.
When I was done installing the parts around the shifter I had these parts left over.
Since I didn't have any instructions I didn't know where they went.
Do they look familiar?
thx

[Tyler S]

That spring washer on the right goes under the circlip on the shifter. see item #18
Depending on year, the 2 black bushings may go on the shifter plate/support rods. see item #43*
The 2 white bushings go on the main shift rod pivot below the shifter. See item #27
Additionally you will need 2 #40's and 2 #22's unless your kit came with them and thats what these pieces are.

Tyler

[x4158]

does anyone offer a complete shifter bushing kit?   I can find individual pieces, but it's be nice to just replace them all at once.

Thanks

[PnHi]

There are 4 more bushings at the other end of the shift rod and support arms where they attach to the transmission. You need to remove the carpet and access panel below the blower box to access them. Did you replace these as well?

Does anyone have a picture of exactly where the second access panel is before I start pulling carpet that has been clued down? 

Thanks
Mike C
1968 250SL

[Tyler S]

Mike, It is in the upper right corner side of the transmission tunnel just below the dash. Ck this thread for a picture taken from an exterior view. Will give you an idea of where to start pulling the carpet back by passengers left foot area.
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=22617.msg161687#msg161687

[PnHi]

Thanks.

[Benz Dr.]

Be very careful while pulling up carpet because it can start to unravel before you even see it happening. The tunnel carpet should never be glued down.