I installed new shifter bushings and I noticed that I only have spring back tension when going to the right side.. (lateral movement of the shifter)


*** I saw that the centering spring on the right is protruding up, but the left one is stuck down flush ... Does this mean that the left spring broke off? *** I can live w/ it for now b/c I heard you have to drop the tranny to put the spring back, I wonder if there's another way...


thanks!

 

The centering spring that pushes from the right side is called the shifter select spindle. It only pushes against going to the 'right' (5th/Rev) so that you don't accidentally go from 4th to Rev.

There are general centering springs that should keep the shifter centered in neutral right between 3rd and 4th. They are definitely softer than the select spindle spring, but if it isnt' enough to move the shifter to center there is something wrong with the bushing install.

Dave

 

Dave,

My shifter stays in the center.... It just has more tension going to the one side versus the other side... I was just wondering why the spindle on the left is stuck down flush, it doesnt' touch the shifter like the one on the right does..

thanks for the help!

 

This is for anyone has the problem where your shifter does not spring back to the center when pushed to the one side.....

When I took the plate off that said "F" (for front) on it.. (4) 12mm bolts... I saw that the shaft on the left w/ the spring was sunk down..

*** I pryed it with a screwdriver and it eventually came back up.. I put some oil in there and kept pressing it down... it finally stayed up.. ***


I also replaced the upper and lower shifter bushings and addeda miata ****.. My shifter felt like it had no hope when i got this car, it had SO much play all over the place.. Now it feels night and day!

 

The area in which the shifter ball sits is to be filled with tranny oil. (Gear oil).

That certainly would contribute to the problem, if such is the case.