Just spent the morning installing the Mazda Short Shift kit for my 88. Everything shifts great how I wanted it too, took it for a drive and everything feels good. But, it rattles between 2nd and 5th gear. This never was an issue before I installed the kit. While I'm not super knowledgeable about transmissions, I was guessing it was because the kit didn't come with a bushing for the ball end of the stick (I wouldn't be surprised if I'm wrong) and there wasn't one on there before, so I didn't think to get one and put it on. I've seen a couple people who have had this same issue but couldn't find the answer to fix it. All help is appreciated, thanks!

 

Yeah, that seems to be a common issue among some of these cars (https://www.mazdatrix.com/shifter-rattle-noises/).

 

This is unfortunate but still worth it, shifts so much better now.

 

yeah, from what ive gleaned the s4 doesnt have the bushing. its a different sized hole as well. i bought a new shift block from mazdatrix and a delring bushing with spring on ebay to update mine.

 

I also recently installed the mazdatrix shortshifter in my 87. In the directions it says “do these things” if you are getting rattling or something to that extent. I drove the car to get trans oil and it was really annoying buzzing quite loudly. Got home added the trans oil as it states. It appears to basically cover the new “extension” in oil. Then did a test drive after adding the recommended amount and rattle was 99% gone. Just my experience.


also you mentioned maybe missing a part.. does the guide mention any parts in the diagram that you didn’t get by chance? I don’t have mine handy to post atm. Let me know I can review/confirm what parts I got if that would help.