Automatic linkage bushings

[badali]

My shift linkage came off today and I have new bushings to put on.  What is the easiest way to install them?  I can't seem to get it in the linkage.  Should I take off the cover plate for more access?  Any help appreciated.
Brad

[J. Huber]

Hey Brad, if you let the bushings sit in some hot water, they soften up enough to squeeze into the eyelet. Also note that the two sides of the bushing are slightly different, make sure you are forcing the correct side in (smaller side goes in first I think!). As far as removing cover -- I'd say only if you cannot get your hands on the eyelet.

[badali]

Thanks, I've been working on it for about an hour.  This is what I ended up doing.  I took out the shifter from inside the car.  I layed the rod on a large socket and pushed the bushing in with the back of a large socket.  While I had it out I replaced the plastic shift gate.  I think I had more trouble with the shift gate than the bushing.  I have to go to work now so I will finish putting the carpet back tomorrow after I tighten up everything.  Today was the first time I ever had to have any car towed home.  If I had known how to move the linkage I could have driven home without calling a truck.  Now I know.  Oh well, my insurance covers towing anyway.
Brad

[ja17]

Hello Brad,

Yes, all owner's with automatics should check these plastic bushings. They deteriorate with age. At some point the linkage rod justs falls off and you are left stranded.

The small opening in the side of the bushing must be installed so it slides over the linkage ball first. Use some lube which is not harmfull to plastics as you install the rod on the car

[badali]

I finished and took a test drive and it is all repaired. The shift bushings were in the tool kit in the trunk. This must have happened to the previous owner before. IT took less than 2 hours including replacing the shift gate and polishing the shift housing.
Brad