I installed my b&m shifter today and I am getting a lot of noise from the transmission now. It started out being a loud vibration from the shifter base pressing against the transmission tunnel opening, since my transmission isnt sitting perfectly centered. I have fixed that by bending up the metal out of the way. Now I get what sounds like a grinding/rattling from the transmission while in gear and accelerating. It is loudest in 2nd gear and sounds like friction in the gears. I can feel the vibration in the shifter, and I thought it could be loose but everything is nice and tight.

During the install, I did lose a bit of fluid out of the shifter base after taking out the 4 bolts, is this enough fluid to need to have to refill it? Could it be low now and need more lubrication to stop the rattling?

Has anyone else experienced the same noise after installing their b&m shifter? I do understand that some FDs start rattling after a short shifter installation, and I am wondering if that is what I am experiencing or is there some other problem. Does this rattling cause any damage to anything?

I would appreciate if you can post any information about this. Thanks.

Aneel
93 touring
Orlando, FL

 

while its hard to say if its completely normal without hearing the noise, i can say that most short shifters are louder because they usually dont have a big rubber isolation bushing like stock shifters. this transmits all the trannys gear noise directly through the stick. when i stalled my b&m in my camaro there was lot more noise similar to what you describe.

 

Some B&M users report that the rattling noise goes away on its own after 500 miles or so.

Others have reported that putting Dynamat around the shifter base completely eliminates the rattling noise.

I forgot to add that the short shifter rattles are very common on FDs. Here's a write-up that discusses the rattles:

http://www.mazdatrix.com/shiftrat.htm

 

I got that too so it must be normal

Do you have an aftermarket shift ****? I found that the noise I was hearing was actually my metal shift **** vibrating against the shifter. Maybe it's just that???

 

I have that shifter and don't have any noise... I replaced that fluid when I did mine, also did you put that plastic bushing on the bottom of the shifter? you need that on there. if your old one is a little bashed up go and get a new one. I did those small steps to make sure I didn't have any problems.

Matt

 

I do have an aftermarket shifter, but it is the mazdaspeed one that screws onto the stock threads and is very tight. I did put that little plastic piece on the bottom, and it is in very good shape since I had replaced it a few months ago on my stock shifter. I will wait a week or two to see if it goes away, if not I will try some dynamat. Thanks for the tip.

One question, how did you refill your fluid? Did you just pour it in through the top of the b&m, or did u get under and put it in through the filler hole?

 

I filled it up when I had the shifter off. just fill it up to the top, then put the shifter back on...be sure to seal between the tranny and the shifter.

good luck

 

My gotham racing short throw shifter which is similar to the b&m also rattles intermittently. So I think it's normal.

 

They all rattle excoet for the Mazdaspeed one.
Get used to finding alot of rattles if you want to mod your car.

 

Jason, What about the RX-7 Store one !? Does it exibit the same problems as the B&M ??

 

The one at the store is a Mazdaspeed copy. No rattles with that one.

Jason

 

I have the RX-7 Store Short Shifter. I do have a noise, but it's not at all from the shift unit. It's from my Razo shift **** that is sitting a little too low on the stick.

 

Shifters wear out just like anything else. It's amazing what replacing the (old worn out) shifter bushings can do.

As for the plastic bushing on the bottom that actually engages the shift mechnism, Mazda Motorsports offers a solid aluminum part to replace the plastic one (mine was cracked). I don't detect and difference at all with this bushing other that it feeling more better

$9.75 from Mazda Motorsports

 

Great info guys... I'm planning ondoing changing to a short shifter. I think I'll order the aluminum part and replace the plastic bushing at the same time. I hate having to wait for part 'after' I have disassembled my car.

 

you can get the bushing through malloy mazda, its pretty cheap, i just ordered mine. Im sure they may over night the part to you if you tell them that your car is all apart and awaiting the part. I would look around to see if there is anything else you need from them, because they will be more likely to send it over night if you have more.

 

Mazdatrix's also caries the aluminum bushing, it is like $14 from their. This solved all ratling noises on my B&M. It also helps improve the feel of the shifter.

 

How was the shape of the old plastic bushing before you replaced it? My plastic one is pretty new but still rattles a lot. Do you think I just need to change it to an aluminum bushing to stop the rattling?

 

Since the aluminum bushing is so cheap, this would certainly be a great experiment for you to do that all of us could value from.

With a plastic bushing in good condition your B&M short shifter rattles. If you change to the aluminum bushing and make no other changes does the rattle go away?

I'll place my bet now: no change, the rattle will still be there

 

I have the Mazdaspeed short shifter and NO rattles or vibration.
I also have the aluminum bushing and it feels very tight and precise now when shifting.
SSC quote in reference to the Mazdaspeed short shifter:
"...leave it to the good old boys at Mazda to do it right"

 

ok I'll get the aluminum bushing and let you guys know what happens.

 

Jason PM'd you Re: Bushing...

 

Do you have to remove the shifter to install this bushing?

 

No, you put it in the glove compartment.
Sorry, I'm just being a jack ***.

WaLieN, the answer is YES.
It is very easy, just remove all the rubber gaskets (4) 10 mm nuts, then (3) 8 or 10 mm bolts, lift the shifter and at the bottom, you will see the rubber or silicon bushing.
It is cylindrical in shape and mine was pinkish in color.
It will come out with your fingers.
Now, grease and replace with the new aluminum one, install in the reverse order.
It is recommended that you pour some oil before setting the shifter back, untill it touches the bushing level.
Don't ask me why.
I read it here and I am guessing for cooling, lubrication and to damper any noise or vibration???

 

The shift tower does not share lube with the tranny so if you don't put some in there it will be dry. It probably does help with rattling as well since gear lube is so thick.

 

What type of lube goes in there?