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Tue Apr 15, 2003 8:48 pm

I replaced the shifter bushing on my beetle tonight, but now I have a big problem. After installing the new bushing, I inserted the shift rod through the bushing and hole and felt some resistance. I thought it was just the new bushing, so I pressed on through the front of the car with a broom handle. When it finally wouldn't move anymore, I looked under the rear seat to find the rod wedged BELOW the brake lines and heater cables! It is stuck REALLY TIGHTLY. I have nothing to get a grip on to pull it back out! Does anyone have any ideas on how i might be able to get the rod back out so I can install it correctly?

Tue Apr 15, 2003 9:20 pm

Can you access it via the shifter hole? That's all I can think of short of cutting the tunnel.

Tue Apr 15, 2003 9:43 pm

I couldn't help mentally picturing several dirty jokes about the situation.

Seriously, though, if you can get a pair of needle nose vicegrips around the rod at the shift lever opening, you could try removing the pedal cluster. If the rod is somewhat forward of being fully inserted, you may be able to reach the "cup" end of the rod and wedge somthing (like a shift rod) in there and bang on it with a mallet to move it forward.

Tue Apr 15, 2003 9:44 pm

Sorry, I meant "if you can't get.."

Wed Apr 16, 2003 6:44 pm

I had a similar problem. If you can, take a pair of needle nose pliers and, assuming you have access to the rod via the hole in the tunnel for the shifter, grip the rod with the pliers as best you can, and try to push the rod forward, while bracing the back of the pliers against tunnel. You may need to try and giggle and turn it with the pliers as well. Anything to get it loose. Can you access it from the rear seat area at all?

Thu Apr 17, 2003 10:09 am

I finally got it loose last night. I was able to get some adjustable pliers in through the shifter hole and wiggle it loose. Thanks for the suggestions.