Auto Shift Stick Bushings and Spring Clip

[bpossel]

While replacing my carpet, I took the advice of Bob H.    and also replaced my auto shift bushings, in addition to the shift rod bushings (x2 lower & upper).

  I am soooo glad that I did this because I finally fixed a problem that I had with the shifter since I bought the car, a very sloppy shift stick.  All I had to do was touch the shifter and it would pop from Park into Reverse.

What fixed the problem, in addition to new bushings was a new spring clip in the shift gate mechanism, and to ensure it is installed correctly.  As I was taking the auto shifter apart, I noticed that my old spring clip was just laying on the bottom of the housing, not really doing anything…  it was providing no tension.  What I found out as I re-installed it was that the sharp pointed edge of the shift rod (see attached pic) needed to be on the right side of the spring clip, thus forcing the shift rod towards the left via the spring tension.

If anyone else has a sloppy auto-shifter that is loose, [:0]floppy, this is a repair well worth the effort.  In my opinion, as long as you have the carpet pulled back and out of the way, the job can be done.  I really didn’t gain any added value with the top transmission plate cover removed.  So, just pull back the carpet and remove the shifter and repair on the bench…

Bob

Shifter removed and on the bench...
Download Attachment: 1.jpg
64.88 KB

Shifter disassembled, showing bushings, spring, ...
Download Attachment: 2.jpg
45.02 KB

Shifter re-assembled on the bench...
Download Attachment: 3.jpg
43.77 KB

Shifter re-installed...
Download Attachment: 4.jpg
59.22 KB

Shows shift stick with spring forcing it to the left of the gate... a happy shifter!
Download Attachment: 5.jpg
52.19 KB

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[ja17]

Hello Bob,
Very nice presentation. This job is a little trickier than it looks unless you have an excellent set of instructions with photos like you have given. Now if you could add the parts numbers this would be bonus also.

I recently did one of these and had to re-assemble it twice because I had the main casting turned 180 degrees around.  I see you marked it "front" good idea!

It's amazing how much difference it makes. Even the slightest shifter play disappears when all the plastic bushings are fresh.

Using a grease which does not degrade the plastic bushings over time will make the job last even longer.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[bpossel]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the comments.

Here are the MB part numbers:

112-267-00-05 (quantity 2)- bushings
112-268-01-50 (quantity 2) - bushings
112-267-01-50 (quantity 2) - bushings
112-993-01-20 (quantity 1) - spring clip

All bushings were in the USA.  The spring clip had to be ordered from Germany.

Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by ja17

Using a grease which does not degrade the plastic bushings over time will make the job last even longer.

Joe,

Hi.  What kind of grease would that be?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[TheEngineer]

Thank you Bob for the excellent presentation! It motivated me to inspect my shifter mechanism. Otherwise, I'd just have taken it for granted. As it turned out, it's ok. Thank you!