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Had the shifter suddenly go sloppy after pulling off my RX-8 shift ****. So after removing the shifter to replace the lower bushing I found that whoever installed this short shifter (which appears to be a Mazdaspeed unit) used the screws to drop the lower ball into the cup and warped the plate in the picture.

I want to remove this plate/boot and replace it so the damn thing will seal properly. However, the boot looks like it would never make it over the shifter stick. How are these supposed to go on? Is it a one way job (goes on but needs to be cut off)? I want to be sure I can get another plate/boot on before I cut this one off.

 

Boot/plate is replaceable, kind of pricey, its the same boot off a miata as well. When I replaced the old boot, I had to cut if off, the new one slide on with a bit of lubrication and tugging.

That plate only applies pressure to the focal point, so the shifter can't easily be removed. I'm surprised the warpness is causing an issue for you.

 

My shifter tower is showing signs of oil and grime buildup coming from the top of the tower and working its way down the trans. I may be misinterpreting what I see and I only noticed this after opening up the center console and removing the shifter. I have no actual proof that this is leaking or really even a problem but I'm picky about my car being in top shape. Especially when I'm already working in that area to fix something else.

 

Shows on Mazdatrix for 45 bucks which is a little steep.
The metal part of that small boot is flimsy and it's easy to flatten it back out. Likely the reason it got deformed is just from the previous owner over tightening the three bolts.

 

I think the bolts were tightened with shifter ball not being properly seated in bushings. I replace every shifter bushing, wave washer and this boot piece about every 5 yrs. In fact I just got these parts in last Friday. You guys should support Mazdaspeed, there support to us is with cheap parts pricing with our commitment to them of only a few sanctioned races or autocrosses per yr.

 

Guess it depends on if you have the ability to purchase Mazdacomp parts, though. I would definitely say to replace it if the boot is starting to tear, but if not I'd just keep it and straighten it out.

 

Well I'm having trouble straightening it back out without removing it. My plan was to remove it, straighten it, and reinstall it. But after trying, it just isn't coming off without cutting it. Trying to straighten it with it on the stick is probably asking to damage the upper pivot bushing as there is no way to get away from it.

The price of that part is a little steep for what it is. I'm sitting here looking at a cart full of shifter related items and half the price is just that part...

 

Just in case someone runs into this thread in the future: a bench vise, some fabulous duct tap, 3 nuts and some attention to ensure you don't crush the upper pivot bushing can save you some money. Of course, having your shifter installed properly could save you or the next owner some unnecessary trouble.

 

Call Malloy Mazda and order the boot and all the bushings for the shifter. You will feel a world of a difference. From the picture yours all look in poor shape (common)

 

Just put on the shifter renew kit today I purchased from mazdatrix. Replaced three parts (2 broken and 1 missing)....took less than an hour. What a difference it makes ..

 

I'm getting an aluminum lower bushing, new side bushing, and new gasket from Mazdatrix tomorrow. I played around with it and the shifter pivot didn't have any up or down movement so I left the pivot bushings alone. Not really sure if that was a good test or not but the work to replace them is easy and I can do it again if need be.