Shifter Slop
 

Well, my slow battle to keep an FD with 120k+ miles in tip-top shape, I've come across a new problem. Yesterday while trying to get it into first while still rolling, I must have broken something in the linkage. There's suddenly more slop then there had been, which results in a weird side-to-side feeling, particularly when going into 1st.

I thought I had read that the bushings tend to go bad, and that mazda comp has a rebuild kit that's fairly cheap. Anyone have any experience with that? My other option would probably be to go with a short shift kit. But to be honest I don't have a problem with the throw as it already seems short in comparison with everything else I've driven.

So I'm just trolling for opinions. What would you guys do?

Sometimes from a roll, I have a hard time getting into first too. I think this is some sort of protection from over-revving the engine. But if it feels loose every time now, then yeah, you probably broke something :) I have no experience with the bushing kit, but I have a B&M Short Shifter, and I like it very much. Also try changing your fluid?
~Tom

sounds like you broke the little bushing that the shifter sits on. I recently replaced my tranny and the little bushing was broke, I took it out and I have to order one cuz i cant speedshift due to the slop. I would take it out so the little plastic peice dont get jammed anywhere.

Tail happy, Scorpio is correct there is a nylon bushing at the bottom of the shifter lever that cracks. It's easy to replace, and M-speed sells an aluminum replacement.

Pull the interior panel off, remove shift knob, unbolt (10mm) the shifter cover boot, and the 3 10mm bolts on the top of the tranny, then pull the lever up! You'll see the pieces down in there.

That sounds exactly like it would cause my symptoms. I can still shift but there's just not that positive feel anymore. I'll have to check on that mazdaspeed replacement....don't want it breaking again!

Any more votes for short-throws? I have a friend that put one in his mustang and actually regretted it. I'm leaning toward just fixing the bushing....

Thanks for the replies!

When I bought my car over a year ago I noticed that the shifter seemed sloppy. I pulled it apart to find the plastic bushing shattered. Once I replaced it the difference was like night and day. Once you get it fixed it will feel like you put a short throw shifter in. Fix it and then make your descision.

Well, either way you'll need a new bushing since (at least my B&M) shoft shifters don't come with a new one, but are required for use.
~Tom

maybe a engine torque brace would help. It seemed to really clean up the slop in my gear box.

Mike

Great, thanks a lot for the responses. Just called up Mazdaspeed Motorsports and they have the Mazdaspeed aluminum bushing for $9.75. At that price, can't go wrong!

I have a Mazdatrix short shifter & it came with a new nylon bushing. Works great, & feel frigg'n baddass!

I've felt the B&M & It's only about 1/2" longer of a throw, nice feel, & a little easier to install since it replaces all of the springs & crap. BUT it doesn't come with the bushing...

Just wanted to follow up on this. Called Mazda Motorsports and got the Mazdaspeed Al Bushing for $9.75. Sure enough, the old plastic bushing had about half of it chipped off, and was really brittle I guess from heat exposure. I dug around awhile and never could find the old pieces! Now everything feels tight and normal again.

If you haven't done it yet, it's an easy and cheap 10 minute job following es's instructions above. Probably pretty good preventative maintenance even if yours isn't broken yet.

Thanks again for everyone's help!