TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can't shift into first or second most of the time

Sun Aug 24, 2025 9:09 pm

Very-recent problem in 1971 Bus I have owned for 15 years. Engine on or off, Bus moving or at rest, most of the time I can't shift into first or second. I checked the shifter linkage and it seems to be OK. Replaced rear bushing last year. Front bushing fit on rod is slightly loose. Shifter is firmly mounted at base.

What could be the problem(s)? Solutions?

Sun Aug 24, 2025 9:56 pm

I would put the bus up on blocks or jack stands so I could comfortably he underneath it and have someone move the shifter thru the gears while I watched the action of the coupler.

If you motor and/or transmission mounts are going bad, that will throw the shifter out of whack. If so, you may be able to readjust the lock out plate at the bottom of the shifter for now, but you will be wanting to replace the mounts before other problems arise.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 12:44 am

Wildthings wrote: I would put the bus up on blocks or jack stands so I could comfortably he underneath it and have someone move the shifter thru the gears while I watched the action of the coupler.

If you motor and/or transmission mounts are going bad, that will throw the shifter out of whack. If so, you may be able to readjust the lock out plate at the bottom of the shifter for now, but you will be wanting to replace the mounts before other problems arise.

^^^^^ This

Also, does it grind trying to go into 1st or 2nd, or is it you just can't find them.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 2:55 am

Just worked through shifting issues myself.
The back coupler, the front bushing, checking and rechecking the position of the shift plate, manually shifting using a pair of vice grips at the nose of the transmission, etc.

My biggest issue was my shifter broke at the ball end and had a couple millimeters of additional play. Combined with a slightly worn front bushing, it turned shifting into a complete mess. It’s amazing how a few millimeters translates to big issues.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 7:34 am

sdebaker wrote: ........ Replaced rear bushing last year. ..........
Coupler bushings?, or the whole coupler?
Many new coupler become detached from the part that connects to the rod and slip, and sometimes the grub screw comes loose.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 8:44 am

Hard shifting with engine off is linkage or coupler

Mon Aug 25, 2025 9:32 am

Abscate wrote: Hard shifting with engine off is linkage or coupler just step on the clutch first to unload any tension in the gearbox. Sometimes the e-brake is pulled and there is some tension in the gears or clutch disc springs from compression, so it can be hard to pull it out of a gear.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:07 pm

SGKent wrote: Wildthings wrote: I would put the bus up on blocks or jack stands so I could comfortably he underneath it and have someone move the shifter thru the gears while I watched the action of the coupler.

If you motor and/or transmission mounts are going bad, that will throw the shifter out of whack. If so, you may be able to readjust the lock out plate at the bottom of the shifter for now, but you will be wanting to replace the mounts before other problems arise.

^^^^^ This

Also, does it grind trying to go into 1st or 2nd, or is it you just can't find them.

No grinding. Just cant engage 1 and 2 gears.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:09 pm

SGKent wrote: Abscate wrote: Hard shifting with engine off is linkage or coupler just step on the clutch first to unload any tension in the gearbox. Sometimes the e-brake is pulled and there is some tension in the gears or clutch disc springs from compression, so it can be hard to pull it out of a gear.

Have been doing that. No help.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:21 pm

Check the clutch cable & the adjustment.
It can slowly fray & bind. And then there's just the depletion of friction material. Also another way to move the throw-out bearing closer to the pressure plate.
15 years is 15 years. Also the mandatory 'sag' in the Bowden Tube may be gone.
Stuff to check.

Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:27 pm

let us know how the coupler looks when someone else tries to shift. There can be a loose grub screw in several spots, or a bad crimp. Here is a former post on that I made.

SGKent wrote: the shift coupler crimps can wear out and allow the crimp to rotate. I had mine welded.

also the parts wear