I have a 2017 Intermeccanica D, the shifter rattles when driving down the road. Any ideas to make it quieter. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Mike
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
The first thing to try to get things tightened up is to replace the shift rod bushing. You must remove the shift handle to get at it and it is located inside the tunnel, surrounding the shift rod and 2" or so behind the shift lever opening in the tunnel. The shift rod must be released at the cover behind the seats and slid forward (adjustable pliers can skooch it forward bit by bit) until it clears the bushing, then remove the clip ring around the bushing and slip it out of the hanger. The new one goes in by reversing actions, but use a piece of dowel or the handle of a ratchet wrench to slide the new bushing into place before pushing it home or you'll lose it to the bottom of the tunnel (and it isn't magnetic so you must grab it with some pliers).
The plastic bushings are available from all of the usual VW part suppliers. This suggestion will, undoubtedly, release a firestorm of suggestions to install a Bronze bushing instead, and you're certainly welcome to, but IMHO it isn't really necessary.
YMMV.
What brand of shifter is it?
Does a 2017 IM tube frame still use VW pan shift linkage stuff? I've looked at CSP and Vintage Speed shifters - costly but they are outstanding compared to OEM or cheap shifters.
You could try adding a good amount of heavy grease in the socket where the shift ball fits, if the shift rod feels good. Might end your rattle .......... just a thought.
If the shift action is tight and not sloppy, the bushing in the tunnel is not the problem.
If the plastic bushing does turn out to be worn out, I'd replace it ONCE with the aftermarket brass one that's available.
Shifter rattle is a worn nylon bushing in the tunnel.
Changing the bushing while the shaft remains in the car would go something like this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP_93R5eLm4
I can see why it is described as a pain in the a$$.
Installing the bronze bushing really wasn't bad with their seemingly overpriced installation tool.
With our shortened shift rods we don't even have to poke it out the opening at the front beam.
Thanks for the ideas, I will try the suggestions.
mike