My shifter is very loose. When going from 1st - 2nd - 3rd is fine. Dropping to fourth, it is hard to move it into gear sometimes. Feels like the forks <If it has any> Are bent or something.


The real issue is, my shifter itself has ALOT of play. I can move it around alot when in gear side to side and such. Also it kind twists when going into reverse.

Any ideas what is wrong?

 

Your going to need a rebuild on your tranny soon. (guessing,need more info still)

Who many miles do you have on it?

 

112k... It feels fine though. Shifts great thru all gears, has a little issue with 4th, just gotta bring it over more to the left. Takes getting use to.

 

probably worn out shifter bushings. Pretty common mazda part and usually under $50

 

How hard to replace are they? I got the Haynes manual and a few online ones. It really doesn't mention to much of the shifter.

 

hell, most shifter kits on ebay come with new bushings now-a-days...worth the money?

 

My car did the same thing so I replaced the bushings in the shift tunnel (for lack of better phrasing).

You can buy new ones here "http://www.mazdatrix.com/g4.htm". I'd take the assembly apart and see what is blown in there to save a few bucks, but you might as well order all new stuff since it's all pretty old and it's probably better to do it all at once. Don't forget to get some transmission gear oil to freshen up what is already in there.

My shifter works great now and my friend remarked on how easy it was to use compared to his 80's Turbo Supra (which has the same issue you have).

 

It's not hard at all. All you need is a 10mm socket, an extension, socket wrench, the parts, and about an hour of free time. Be careful with the rubber boots because they'll break pretty easy, that is unless you want another heater vent between your front seats.

I think if you use the search and look up "loose shifter" you'll find more than enough information and pictures to help you out. That's what I did.