Gear shifter rattling, what to do?

EgeWorks Wolfsburg Wizard

602 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 25 Nov 2005, 10:19 am

#432061

My shifter is driving me nuts. It's rattling badly when it's in certain rev ranges. Not at Idle or flat out but mostly in between though. It's coming from the tunnel just behind the actual shifter. It's not the shifter as I've check and re-greased it. If I hold my hand on the shifter even lightly it goes away. Is there some kind of bearing in the tunnel that gets worn out? There is no trouble changing gears. I've also recently had the coupling under the rear seat replaced... The car is a 73 L Bug. Any ideas?

Midlife crisis Nartispuddlejumper, Bureau of Toxicity

2,282 posts · joined May 2003 · 25 Nov 2005, 10:24 am

#432063

There is a bush that the shift rod goes through just behind the shifter if that is stuffed that can cause it,
or it could be the coupling where the shift rod joins on to the gearbox. I would check both of these both are a easy fix.

Marc

If you can't laugh at yourself you can't laugh at anyone else! Because life is to short not to LAUGH

PurpleT3 Fahrvergnugen

880 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 25 Nov 2005, 10:24 am

#432064

There is a plastic bush which is notorious for wearing out. Once if has fallen apart, the shift rod is free to rattle around in metal hanger.

They are fairly easy to DIY and the parts are cheap. While you're at it you might want to consider replacing the bushes in the shift coupler as well. You will need to remove the shift rod to do both jobs.

Ain't nothin' like the wind in your hair.

EgeWorks Wolfsburg Wizard

602 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 25 Nov 2005, 10:53 am

#432073

Thanks for the help guys. I guess it's the shift rod bush behind the shifter. I'm sure it's going to be a learning experience replacing it.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 25 Nov 2005, 11:39 am

#432085

Read here

http://www.vw-resource.com/shifter_bushing_replacement.html

It was even written about a 1973 Super

Do the rear coupler as well

http://www.vw-resource.com/shift_coupler.html

It is no biggie - a Saturday morning job.

Put a short shift kit in while you are at it

Make sure you grease the rod up well and pack the "cup"
Dont you bearing grease - use the other "black" stuff

Futue te ipsum!!!

EgeWorks Wolfsburg Wizard

602 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 25 Nov 2005, 5:12 pm

#432181

Thanks Barry. easy to understand article. The rear one is done already as the old one cracked leaving me with only 3rd and 4th in peak hour traffic through the city!