Gear Shift Tightening

Is that manual transmission in your front-engine/rear-drive import requiring a lot more movement than you care to expend in order to select a gear? For instance, are you ramming your fist into the radio controls to find 1st and 3rd gears? And also committing what might be interpreted as an act of aggression on your front-seat passenger's left thigh when engaging Reverse? Unless this is somehow working to your benefit, you might consider the following simple repair.

Playtime
While the vehicle being featured for this article is a well-worn mid-'80s Toyota Celica GT, other vehicles, including small pickups with similar powertrain layouts, can be repaired in just about the same fashion.


The cause of this excessive gearshift free-play is a part known as the gearshift selector bushing, or some other comparable name. It exists to dampen vibration otherwise transmitted to the gearshift selector lever, while still allowing for a positive feel when shifting gears. It's made out of a very durable nylon, or other longwearing plastic. But, since all good things must come to an end, its usefulness for said purpose does as well.


Not to worry: The repair is pretty straightforward, although things can get messy if you're not careful, since you'll be working inside the car, from the driver's seat (or the passenger's if you're a lefty).

Prep Steps
Just a few basic hand tools are needed, generally speaking: Two sizes of Phillips screwdrivers, maybe a 1/4-inch drive ratchet, extension, and a couple of metric sockets (8 thru 12 mm) to go with them, and a pair of slip joint pliers. As usual for most repairs, having the appropriate service manual is highly recommended, and its guidance should be carefully adhered to.