Did you know that stick shift vehicles may have decreased dramatically, but millions of people in the United States are still driving manual transmission automobiles today? Media reports have recently documented about 10% manual transmission drivers on the road, which was originally at 35% in 1985.
I have several experiences with a bad shift linkage bushing and I’m pretty sure you also had an experience with this particular problem if you’re driving a manual transmission car.
here are some of the most common bad shift linkage bushing symptoms.
What Is a Shift Linkage Bushing?
A transmission shifter cable, more commonly known as linkage bushing, is an essential component that connects the transmission linkage and shift cable. Shift linkage bushings improve the overall feel of the shifter since they reduce front to back and side to side compliance within the mechanism of the stock shifter with soft rubber insulators.
Bad Shift Linkage Bushing Symptoms
After years of service, manual transmissions become vulnerable to certain issues. These problems are developed due to lack of maintenance practices, abuse, and high mileage. However, most of these issues can also be caused by other related components including driveline, linkage, and clutch assembly.
Based on what I have observed, the following are some of the most common symptoms of bad shift linkage bushing:
1. Grinding noise
If you notice a grinding sound from the transmission, it may be due to clashing gears. Linkage problems can cause clashing such as wear, needed adjustments, bearing shafts, damaged synchronizer, and shift fork.
On the other hand, if you notice clashing gears when downshifting, perhaps the issue is due to worn synchronizer or too much pressure in the shaft end. For other reasons, you can check the dragging clutch because it may sometimes cause the grinding noise.
2. Odd sounds like thumping, bumping, squealing, and whirring
The odd noises coming from the shift linkage may be due to insufficient oil. If there's not enough oil, the internal assembly or gears tend to whir or hum. Also, the lubricant can get contaminated with some elements like metal particles.
Some of the sources in the transmission including damaged gears, problematic output shaft pilot bearing, worn-out input shaft bearing, exhausted synchronizer, misaligned transmission, and speedometer drive gears may also cause noises.
If you’re hearing some thumping sounds, make sure to check for loose transmission mount, damaged engine, worn drive axle CV joint, or differential case problems.
3. Transmission oil leaks
Loose bolts, damaged components, and bad seals are the most common causes of a manual transmission leak. To verify if there's a leak, it's important to check the oil level and transmission case.
Now, if there’s still a leak after replacing the oil, it’s most probably due to too much oil. You can review the repair manual to see how you can fix the problem. It can provide you with the necessary steps to take so that there will be no more leak.
Check the O-ring within the speed sensor or the oil seal to determine the sources of leaking.
4. The car is not getting into gear
In case the transmission is not getting into gear, check the shift linkage bushing to see if it needs a few adjustments or has damage or looseness. The clutch may also cause the failure to get the transmission into gear.
If there are other problems such as the clutch not fully releasing, you can make some adjustments. Bad clutches can be fixed by consulting your car manual.
5. The car is stuck in just one gear
Is your transmission stuck in one gear? This symptom can be indicated by worn-out drive gear teeth, misaligned transmission, shift rail problem, linkage assembly issue, low level of oil, and other internal components including forks, detents, and synchronizer sleeve.
6. Shifting gears is so difficult
If you just can’t shift your gears, this is another symptom of bad shift linkage bushing. For instance, you’re finding it difficult to move your shift lever to another gear. If this happens, this may be caused by loose linkage, worn bearings, and damaged shift cables.
Related: input shaft bearing replacement cost
To fix it, check the shift linkage and then see if there’s poor lubrication, binding, or misaligned components. The car repair manual can help you with this procedure so that you can safely remove components before inspecting for potential problems.
7. Transmission is jumping into the neutral mode
Have you noticed that the transmission is jumping into neutral? Well, this is a common issue with damaged or worn-out transmissions. Maladjusted shift linkage bushing can be due to damaged transmission mount or engine.
How to Know If the Shifter Bushings Are Bad
Most of the latest model vehicles are using a cable to connect the transmission and the shifter handle. Automatic transmissions only have one shifter cable, unlike manual transmissions that are made with two transmission cables. Although some symptoms may be different, it's important to know that stretching is a common reason for bad shifter bushings.
Now, the key to identifying shift bushing problems is to find enough information on the common issues. For instance, is the issue only present in one gear, when downshifting, turning, or at a specific speed? Make sure to diagnose the problem correctly so you can understand what’s exactly causing the problem.
How to Fix a Shift Bushing
The best way to keep your vehicle’s shift bushing in perfect condition is to maintain the system with proper care.
One excellent tip is to operate it correctly and be careful when skipping gears or shifting to the second or third gear so you won’t stretch the cable too much.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Shift Linkage
The most important thing is that you get to drive your car again in a safe and normal way.
If you notice the bad shift linkage bushing symptoms and your shift linkage requires a professional repair service, the cost will depend on the necessary adjustments as well as replacements. The transmission may be repaired, replaced, or rebuilt, but mostly the price is expensive.
James is a certified auto technician specializing in commercial vehicles. With 30 years of experience under his belt, James has encountered almost every type of automotive issue there is! Besides his day job at the repair shop, he is also an amateur race car driver.
2016 Ford Edge SEL
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