Hard to shift (manual trans)

[Brandini]

Hello,

I’m needing some guidance on an issue I’m having. I’ve looked through the forum but can’t seem to find the answer. I’ve recently replaced the plastic bushings in my 4 speed manual trans which was a huge improvement. But lately I’ve noticed that the shifter sometimes gets “stuck” and is hard to move between gears. Any idea what could be causing this?

[TJMart]

Not sure that you changed all the bushings.
You may want to take a look at the link below to see where all the bushings are and also check out the kit that is available showing what they look like.
The kits are also available from other suppliers.

https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/25-26-clutch-4-speed-box/26-b-gearlever-linkage

[mauro12]

I have the 5speed zf manual but the bushing are the same . I’ve noticed that the quality of those bushing on stock is not the best . Most of these are made by plastic . For this reason I took this kit from an old 250se that a friend of mine was restoring in his garage . Those were solid metal and more resistant . The play in the gear lever is gone but the stiffness of the gear change is almost the same . Probably better after replacing the oil .
For me the most hard shifting is when gearbox is cold from neutral to 1 and to 5th gear when hot too .
Sometimes the rear can be stiff too but I guess is the whole linkage itself which is different than modern cars .

[georgem]

Hi Mauro,

I know its hard to resist when assembling to give them a spray with WD 40 (or similar). This initially helps but eventually makes the plastic (probably nylon) material swell and tighten the movement. Silicon spray is a better option although dry is best, although counter intuitive

[thelews]

I recently replaced ALL my shifter bushings after a failure at the stick.  It's definitely tighter and stiffer, but no issues accessing any gear.

[Benz Dr.]

I have the 5speed zf manual but the bushing are the same . I’ve noticed that the quality of those bushing on stock is not the best . Most of these are made by plastic . For this reason I took this kit from an old 250se that a friend of mine was restoring in his garage . Those were solid metal and more resistant . The play in the gear lever is gone but the stiffness of the gear change is almost the same . Probably better after replacing the oil .
For me the most hard shifting is when gearbox is cold from neutral to 1 and to 5th gear when hot too .
Sometimes the rear can be stiff too but I guess is the whole linkage itself which is different than modern cars .

5 speed trans will shift differently than the 4 speed and much more when cold. I use synthetic ATF which helps quite a bit for shifting.