auto transmission shift rod bushing replacement

[alvan]

can bushings be replaced from inside car? how many bushings?
thanks for the help
alvan

[Mike K]

Have a look at this section in the Technical Manual:
 
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/TransmissionClutch/Shifter

There's one bushing that has to be replaced from under the car- where the shift gate connects to the shift linkage.
Not really difficult to do, just slightly awkward because of its location under the car.

You need to soak this bushing in hot water to soften it, I also used some liquid soap to help it slide into place.
There's also this tool for $28- which makes it much easier:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/TRANSMISSION-LINKAGE-BUSHING-BUSHING-INSTALLER-For-Mercedes-Ford/261302466500
 
The rest are replaced by removing the cover of the auto shifter inside the car.
Follow the instructions in the Technical Manual, it's straightforward.

I recommend doing them all.

Here's what I found when I opened up the shifter gate, see pics below.

Best
Mike

[Rahul]

I am trying to replace the bushings in my auto shifter mechanism at the moment.

What is that green piece on the left of the first picture?? I didn't see anything like that when I took mine apart.

The only plastic components I have within the housing itself are the two ring bushings (p/n 1122670050) that slot into the openings on either side, from the outside-in

Thanks!

[merrill]

hi
the easy way to replace the bushing in an auto is to remove the mechanism from the car and replace the bushings on your workbench.
1. put the shifter in park
2. disconnect the rod at the transmission end
3. pull up center carpet enough to access the 4 bolts, remove bolts
4. pull shifter with rod from car and replace the bushings.

installation is in the reverse order.

note there are 2 other bushings in the selector housing that you can also replace.   

[dirkbalter]

What is that green piece on the left of the first picture?? I didn't see anything like that when I took mine apart.

Thanks!

I don't have the green piece either?

[Pawel66]

Looks like a bottom of a detergent bottle (whatever brands are available there in South Africa) acting as a distance washer.

[merrill]

i agree w Pawel.

if you look at the second picture in the post from Mike you will see the correct bushings pointed out.

[Rahul]

Lol, wow I was poring through diagrams trying to figure it out - that's quite the discovery.

ty all for the replies

[ja17]

The green piece is just grease. 

[FresnoBob]

And make sure you insert the spring in the correct direction.  It should push the lever to the left.  Of course I learned this the hard way. 

[Rahul]

I learned too many things the hard way taking this thing apart and putting it back again.

The spring took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out!

Amazing how quick and satisfying it is to take things out of the car... slightly more frustrating when it comes to figuring out how to put them back in.

[boterinse9]

Just replaced the bushing underneath using a wide screwdriver , lost one bushing  but all worked out ok but what magic force keeps the male end from popping out  the movement looks pretty straight  front to rear but it seems like there should be a  keep in place clip. whadya think.  regards.  boterinse...

[jim 56]

Just did this on my W108 sedan. Spring was the tricky part

[boterinse9]

Hello Jim  Good that you got  your shifter problem solved , however  mine has a glitch Im trying to figure out what keeps the shifter rod inside the bushing   {the lower one under the car} Im ordering a few more bushings. Had it together  tested it and it comes apart seems like there should be a clip to hold in place but no book shows it in a drawing what's your  prognosis        I need a little advice...