rx7racerca

iTrader: (1)

I was removing my shifter as a prelude to removing the transmission and changing my clutch. When lifting out the shifter, I had it in the neutral position, but as I wiggle a little to get it out, it flicked - to the left, I believe, so it may not be in the neutral position now - when I try to put the shift lever back in, it will move side to side as if it were in the neutral position, but not fore-aft into any gear slots.

Can anyone suggest what is likely going on? I have the Haynes manual, and FSM PDF, but not a lot of detail in either about the shifter itself.

Two further questions:

In the process of fishing around with my finger in the shifter extension housing trying to feel what's where, I found three pieces that appear to be a broken ring/flat spring-type washer - it's listed as a "wave washer" in the FSM, that should go below the lower plastic cup for the shift lever. Dealer part?<a href="http://s244.photobucket.com/user/rx7racerca/media/Misc%20images/IMAG20081.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg3/rx7racerca/Misc%20images/IMAG20081.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMAG20081.jpg"/></a>

The shift lever is getting appreciably notched just above the small, lower ball, presumably by the retainer/centering spring in the extension housing. Cause for concern?
<a href="http://s244.photobucket.com/user/rx7racerca/media/Misc%20images/IMAG20111.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg3/rx7racerca/Misc%20images/IMAG20111.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMAG20111.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s244.photobucket.com/user/rx7racerca/media/Misc%20images/IMAG20091.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg3/rx7racerca/Misc%20images/IMAG20091.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMAG20091.jpg"/></a>

rx7racerca

iTrader: (1)

Answering my own first issue, a bit more fishing around in the extension housing got things lined up, and popping the shifter back in, I was able to row the gears. It appears the wave washer and assorted other bits (the big circular rubber boot has largely disintegrated, too) are available through MazdaSpeed, so hopefully a local dealer has it or can get them in without waiting for shipping from the US.

The Mazda catalogue has better diagrams of all the parts, too.
https://mazdamotorsports.com/wcsstor...09861_1000.gif

jjwalker

I am confused by that diagram because the S5 NA has 2 springs or "wave washers" and 2 bushings. Also, it appears you have one of the bushings stuck on your shifter fulcrum ball.

From what I have heard over the years is that most people tend to use only one spring when they replace the bushings, as it loosens the shifter slightly. I prefer both springs but it does make the shifter rather stiff until the new bushings wear in.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

the mazda diagram only specifies 1 bushing, i always install 2 bushings. maybe with everything in the transmission completely new it worked ok with just the 1, or it's just a parts listing mistake.

i always just use 1 wave washer, 2 usually makes the shifter extremely tight. you can always bend it to be more peaky for a little more pressure.

MjhRotor

iTrader: (1)

Recently rebuilt my s5 shifter with oem bushings and wave washers from the dealer. Works great not tight at all with 2 springs which was how mine came apart.

I did use a different top cap from a newer mx5 as the s5 top cap is stupid expensive and using the mx5 cap retained oem quality for 1/3 the price. This did require drilling the holes bigger in the cap but this was effortless.

I'll post the part number for the mx5 top cap/boot when I get back to the shop on Monday.

MjhRotor

iTrader: (1)

Was able to find the part number r501-17-47z

rx7racerca

iTrader: (1)

I've got the two bushings, the white upper that's on the fulcrum ball in my pic, and a black lower in the socket in the shifter extension housing, which I believe how it came when I replaced the bushings and gasket - around 18 years ago, so my recollection might be a bit off, but when I replaced it at that time, it was mostly because I was replacing the gasket, which was leaking a bit, I just ordered the bushings while I was at it. There is a wave washer above the upper bushing and below the metal cap, just visible in the picture, and presumably the broken one sat below the lower bushing. So I'm reasonably certain the two bushings and two wave washers are the factory spec, despite the diagrams.

MjhRotor

iTrader: (1)

That is correct. I had replaced mine previously with aftermarket bushings and had the tight shifter. Replaced those again with Both oem bushings with the oem wave washers were super cheap and my shifter feels flawless and returns to center perfectly.