Author Topic: shifter dropped in  (Read 22998 times)

bjudd

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shifter dropped in
« on: September 19, 2005, 00:12:39 »
hello,

the shifter on my 5sp 280 dropped loose and fell into the "hump" about two inches.  I searched a bit on transmissions and found my way to reading about shifter bushings.  Am I on the right track?  

thanks,

bjudd
69 280 SL 5 sp


« Last Edit: September 27, 2005, 22:15:35 by bjudd »

Naj ✝︎

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2005, 04:00:39 »
Could it be a different shifter to a 4spd?
On the 4 spd, a snap ring comes off and it comes out upwards.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL
68 280SL

ja17

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2005, 04:59:37 »
Hello Brian,

Yes, if the plastic shifter bushings under holding the shift rod in place fail, the shifter can drop down in the tunnel. Get a whole set of shifter bushings and replace them all while your in there.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Chad

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2005, 06:38:08 »
Does anyone have a parts number list and good place to get the shifter bushings.  I have contacted two different suppliers and noone seems to either know or have the throughput to get back with me and supply these parts needed, apparently they are pretty cheap so there is not a lot of profit.  I haven't tried Millers? Can anyone get their online store to open up on a Mac?

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, 123.193

Mike Webster

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2005, 07:48:53 »
Brian,

Contact Pete Lesler (W113SL). He replaced his bushings at Blacklick.

Mike
1966 230SL DB180 silver/red

W113SL

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #5 on: September 19, 2005, 08:30:48 »
I am Pete lesler, and I replaced my bushing at Blacklick during the W113 tech session.  More than likely the bushing that have failed are the nylon bushings at the lower end of the shift lever.  Thay are held min plave with a circlip but as they wear, they become sloppy and the ball end could have slipped out and is now probably hitting your drive shaft.

Easy job, but you will need to get in there to confirm what needs mto be replaced.  I would do them all at this time.

Pete Lesler



Naj ✝︎

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2005, 07:18:38 »
Chad,
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Does anyone have a parts number list<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">


230 < chassis 14258:
111 268 0697 Lower Boot x1
111 992 0210 Bush, Shifter plate  x2

230 > chassis 14259, all 250 and 280:
111 268 0797 Lower boot x1  
111 992 0310 Bush, Shifter plate  x2

All 113s: (Common Parts)
111 267 0086 Bush for spherical ball   x2
198 990 0048 Wavy washer  x1
000 994 7041 Snap ring   x1
111 268 0497 Upper boot  x1
198 268 0150 Bush, Shift lever to yoke  x4
111 267 0083 Bush, Gearbox to yoke   x2

Download Attachment: GrShft08.JPG
37.04 KB

Note: the 2 bushes on the shifter plate. They are for the later cars. The early 230 ones are shorter and black (rubber?).

naj
« Last Edit: December 18, 2008, 21:00:05 by naj »
68 280SL

Chad

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2005, 07:28:09 »
Thanks much Naj.  Maybe after I replace these bushings then my shifter won't feel like a stirring soup with a long wooden spoon?

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, 123.193

Naj ✝︎

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #8 on: September 20, 2005, 07:44:08 »
Chad
 
quote:
Maybe after I replace these bushings then my shifter won't feel like a stirring soup with a long wooden spoon?



I did my 280 a few weeks ago after the lever under the tunnel came away from the gearbox.
The change is quite amazing  :) . The shifter was so loose that the snap ring cut a groove on the shifter lever rod. It also had marked the shifter plate bore (at reverse and first position). I turned the plate round 180 degrees. Also the nut on the bolt that holds the 4 bushes is nyloc and an odd 7mm size. I could not get a new one easily so I tightened it up just so to give free movement between the levers, then drilled a small hole in the nut and put a split pin thru it.


Download Attachment: GrShft11.JPG
33.48 KB

naj
« Last Edit: September 21, 2005, 06:01:25 by naj »
68 280SL

Douglas

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2005, 08:55:11 »
Don't forget to install the lever the right way. Many stickshift SLs have it installed backwards. It should point AWAY from the driver.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Chad

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #10 on: September 21, 2005, 08:30:59 »
Check, it's pointing away from me.  Thanks.

-CD-
1967 230SL, 113.042 10
1983 300TDT, 123.193

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #11 on: September 21, 2005, 09:22:32 »
the attached photos are what the shifter used to look like and what it is like now unless i lift it up.  

Naj,  I picked up my bushings before I saw your post with the list and what i was given does not include the "wavy washer" or "snap ring".  Are these a definite replacement item?  

also, on your picture is the white "housing" that comes up around the shifter is not something currently on my vehicle.  which part is that on your list?

thanks,

brian

Download Attachment:  shifter.jpg
52.25 KB

Download Attachment: dropped - shifter.jpg
45.57 KB

bjudd
69 280 SL 5 sp

Naj ✝︎

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #12 on: September 21, 2005, 11:32:38 »
Hi, Brian,
 
quote:
the "wavy washer" or "snap ring". Are these a definite replacement item?

In both my cars, the wavy washer was flat/destroyed when removed. The snap ring on one was useless.
For what they cost, I would certainly replace them.

 
quote:
on your picture is the white "housing" that comes up around the shifter is not something currently on my vehicle.

I did not list it, as they do not usually wear. I see a white ring in your picture. The rest of the housing may be under the carpet.
Anyway, if you need one, the part # is 111 268 0398.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL
68 280SL

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #13 on: September 27, 2005, 21:56:52 »
the two white bushings that support the ball end of the shifter were disintigrated.  As usual i made several mistakes including:  not thinking through everything that needs to be attached to the shifter before pushing the bushings into the "housing".  

 how to tremove the shifter knob?

i had a remnant of the black soft rubber part shown to the left of the plate in Naj's picture.  (apparently this is the "lower boot"  - thanks Bob)


thanks for the help,

brian

bjudd
69 280 SL 5 sp
« Last Edit: September 28, 2005, 09:18:06 by bjudd »

Douglas

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #14 on: September 27, 2005, 22:18:09 »
The shifter knob pulls off, but it can be on there pretty tightly. Don't try to unscrew it because you'll strip it. Also, make sure it doesn't separate at the seam that runs through the side. It can do that.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #15 on: September 27, 2005, 22:23:35 »
Are you saying I can simply pull straight up?  And how does one prevent the "separation"?  

quote:
Originally posted by Douglas

The shifter knob pulls off, but it can be on there pretty tightly. Don't try to unscrew it because you'll strip it. Also, make sure it doesn't separate at the seam that runs through the side. It can do that.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220



bjudd
69 280 SL 5 sp

Douglas

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #16 on: September 27, 2005, 22:27:50 »
Yes, pull it straight up. I can't answer how to prevent the separation. Just be aware of this issue while you're pulling up on it & try to exert as much pressure from the bottom up.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

ja17

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #17 on: September 27, 2005, 22:32:53 »
Hello  bjud.

Place a small openend wrench around the shift rod under the shifter knob. Slide the wrench under the ball. Use a hammer and tap uppwards on the wrench, which is under the shifter knob. The knob will pop straight off the top.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #18 on: October 03, 2005, 20:08:05 »
Night and Day!  That's how big a difference the shifter bushings made.

The bolt at the forward end of the shift rod which attaches to the "plunger"? type rod that goes into the tranny doesn't want to come loose easily (to replace the two big bushings).  I'm reluctant to put too much pressure on the bolt since it is pushing the rod that goes into the tranny.  I presume it is the old bushings themselves that are preventing the bolt from backing out.  Advice?  also, what is the piece that sticks up to the right that is held on by the bold?  Sorry for no picutre- my camera is at work today.  

i couldn't get the lower rubber boot to attatch to the underside of the shifter plate.  thoughts?

shifter knob popped right off.  thanks!

bjudd
69 280 SL 5 sp
« Last Edit: October 03, 2005, 20:51:24 by bjudd »

BHap

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #19 on: October 03, 2005, 20:57:14 »
Brian, sounds like the bolt may have worn a "step" into itself...  the bushings shouldn't stop the bolt from coming out.  I'm assuming the nut is off and the bolt is the part that is stuck...  I'd try turning the bolt for a while to see if it loosens and then maybe pry under the head of the bolt if you can get a screwdriver or chisel under it...  You should be able to see if the bushings are worn, or if there is slop at the joint - if it ain't broke......  not sure about the other ? - the lower boot should pop right on...

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed
Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #20 on: October 04, 2005, 09:27:22 »
attached is pic of the forward end of shift rod.  the piece extending up and over to the right.  Purpose?  is it broken as it appears?  

thanks,


bjudd
'69 280 SL 5 sp



Download Attachment: shift rod bushing.jpg
61.27 KB
« Last Edit: October 04, 2005, 14:54:32 by bjudd »

jeffc280sl

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #21 on: October 04, 2005, 16:09:07 »
Are you speaking of the bracket that makes contact with the small switch?  The switch is part of the emissions system for later SL's.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #22 on: October 04, 2005, 18:55:14 »
Yes, I am referring to the bracket that makes contact with the switch.  I took a drive with the forward plate off and could see that it would engage the switch in only one gear - 3rd or 5th and since you say the switch has to do with emmissions, I presume i want adjust its angle so it will engage in 5th.  ??

thanks

bjudd
'69 280 SL 5 sp

bjudd

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #23 on: October 23, 2005, 15:24:26 »
Do shifter bushings get grease around the ball and plastic bushings of the manual shift stick?  If so, what kind?

what kind of lubrication for the rod that goes into tranny?  (picture is posted two or three below.)

thanks,

bjudd
1969 280 SL 5 sp
« Last Edit: October 23, 2005, 16:11:59 by bjudd »

ctaylor738

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Re: shifter dropped in
« Reply #24 on: December 18, 2008, 16:54:59 »
When I checked Naj's shopping list prior to ordering, I found what I think is a typo.  The bushings for the shifter ball should be 111 267 (not 268) 00 86, according to the EPC.  The Item Number is 258.
Chuck Taylor
1963 230SL #00133
1970 280SL #13027 (restored and sold)
1966 230SL #15274 (sold)
1970 280SL #14076 (sold)
Falls Church VA