Hey all,

I have a short shifter in my car and it doesn't seem to like the nylon bushing (the one that goes at the end of the bottom shift joint). I ordered a new one from Mazdatrix, assuming my old one was worn out. I temporarily used the old one from my stock shifter and was planning on using it until the new one came from Mazdatrix. Well before I received the new one, my old reused one gave out, midshift. I removed my shifter and it tore pretty much down the middle. I think my resolution will be fruitless since the new and the old bushing are made of the same material (I'm assuming, although they are different colors).

My questions are:

1) Has anyone tried the aluminum bushing from Mazdatrix? I absolutely love my short shifter because it isn't notchy and is neither loose (while the bushing was good) nor rattling. I don't want to lose that feeling at all, but I need something more durable than the polymer-made bushing that is prone to tearing.

pic here:
http://mazdatrix.com/g4.htm

price and part no. here:
http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=02-9402-0000

2) How do I get it on the end of the shifter?! My old one slipped on fine, because it was used, and i was expecting the same thing from the new one. It wont go on at all! What method can I uset to get it on without smashing my own finger?!

Any help would be great guys. Thanks!

 

I can't answer your questions, but did you lube the old one? I'm not sure, but I think there's supposed to be transmission fluid in this area to lube the shifter. If not, then you should put some kind of multi-purpose lube in there. That's a lot of friction in that bushing.

 

Yes, i definitely lubed the old one. I was messing around with the shift mechanism under the shifter, and I think that it maybe squirts liquid in there as well? haha maybe I was just imagining things.

 

I have the aluminum one from Mazdatrix and it feels great on a stock shifter. I put a little tranny fluid on the bushing before installing it so it slides in easier. I got a 2x4 piece of wood to rest the bushing on while I pressed it in. I think I used my body weight to push the shifter into the bushing or I may have used a small mallet and a good wack to press it in. It was pretty easy.

The FSM says to put some lube in the shifter housing but doesnt say how much or what type. I poured a little Neo tranny fluid I had in there and all seems well.

 

+1 for the aluminum bushing. Try not to warp or bend it when installing it. I lubed mine with gear oil as well. It was very stiff at first but after rowing through the gears a bunch of times, it loosened up enough. Now it feels great.

 

My RE-A came with a brass one. Yes, replace the plastic one with aluminum.