Shifter bushings rattles... etc

[bobmk2]

Hey there

I've had this issue for a while where I get a lot of vibration / rattle from my shifter when in gear and cruising.

I think it's because the shifter is drooping too low and resting on the exhaust.

I'm looking to replace the bushings and possibly fabricate a bracket to hold it up but I can't find a place online to buy Mx-3 shifter bushings. I know the stealership has them but it's a hassle to go there and they are pricey !

any help ?

any guides or pics on how to approach it ? I

[SuperK]

If your shifter is resting on the exhaust, you'll need to replace the whole linkage, depending on what's happened. There is someone who makes anti-drop brackets, but they won't fix your issue. they'll just eventually break.

The bushings just help tighten up the shifting when you're shifting, it doesn't raise/lower the shifter height off the exhaust

[SuperK]

ask neuman, he's parting out two mx-3's. I bought my shifter linkage from him when I needed one, and he gave an amazing price. He may have another one that you can get. If you're unsure how to change it, we'll walk you through it, I can walk you through it myself. it's pretty straight forward, but can be annoying.

[MrMazda92]

My Pacesetter STS in the '92 catches the exhaust under acceleration in 3rd gear only

You can remove your exhaust(if stock), and swap two of the sections for eachother easily; This should stop it from touching, if it's simply a STS that goes much lower than stock.

[bobmk2]

I checked again today and I doesn't look like the shifter is resting on the exhaust; it's just loose and rattles when in gear.

I want to try putting in new bushings and see if they fix the rattle but I can't seem to find any online.

Thanks for the replies !

[SuperK]

you gotta suck it up and go to the mazda stealership

[MrMazda92]

No you don't!

These will take care of the shifter and transmission ends of the linkage:
http://www.corksport.com/corksport-bron ... hings.html


This is the "3rd link" kit, also from CorkSport:
I actually can't find the link anymore... I think it's gone for good now.

Oh well, you can do this instead:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/1128/=g5vjxp

These will be TERRIBLE in any position other than the third link. They are an extremely tight fit, making them next to perfect for the third link.
Here is a guide to the 3rd link bushing upgrade:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=77684&p=588177&hil ... er#p588177

The McMaster bushings will be very tight, you will want a rubber mallet to tap them into place, and a metric bolt(I forget the size, just take them to a home improvement or fastener supply store). If you do this, try to get a bolt with a smooth shaft, threaded only past the linkage.

[SuperK]

I did hte 3rd link bushing by going to the stealership and getting bushings, an extra long bolt for the linkage on the transmisison side, a little dremeling and bam, all 6 bushings were changed. The stealership's pricing is cheaper than corksports... and honestly, rubber ones may be preferred for a DD.

[MrMazda92]

I've run the exact setup I posted with both a stock shifter, and a PS adjustable(set VERY short) for quite a while now.
The increased vibration is negligible, and the benefit of never having to replace the bushings again would be worth much more... Besides, my local dealership wanted ~$19 for the stock bushings. I paid ~$35 for the Bronzoils from CorkSport, and under $10 for the McMaster bushings + the bolt and nylock nut for the 3rd link. $45 and I'll never have to touch it again, short of finding some that fit my PaceSetter. 1/4" of slop in the entire assembly, and 100% of it comes from the original PaceSetter bushings, which are also plastic...

The hardest part about the swap was getting the bolts adjusted just right. Too tight and your shifter will be a PITA to move, but just right and it's smooth as butter.

Edit: This is on a daily driven car... more than 40K miles with the bronzoils, and no complaints after properly adjusting the bolts.