Two Questions. Shift

[locky]

Two questions
1. I removed my shift rod and it appears to have a slight bend, up, in the middle. ?? Should I replace it.
2. How do you get in, to change the shift bushing. Looks like a tight squeeze.
Thanks

[Chad1376]

I just did mine. I put the bushing in first, then pushed the rod in. Don't drop it in the tunnel, or you'll be cussing while you try to fish it out.

I believe the slit should be located at about 10:30, looking from the front.
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[63ziggy]

I believe most shift rods have the slight bend. i know my beetle did as well as my Thing now. design

[locky]

So do you go down through the shifter hole and try and squeeze it in?
Cool on the bend

[FlowerPowered]

When I was rebuilding my shifter, I thought the same thing about the rod, so I ordered a new one. I found the original and replacement were both slightly bent. Not an issue.

You do NOT go down the shifter hole. There is an access plate in the front of the pan head. Here is a text procedure:

http://www.vw-resource.com/shifter_bushing_replacement.html


Here is a procedure with pictures:

http://huelsmann.us/bugman/ShifterTech.html

[63ziggy]

have you pulled the inspection plate on the front of the tunnel between the beams?

I would suggest pulling rod out completely, clean it up and the reapply lubricant.

the bushing can be put in place and then slowly push shift rod through. you will need to work it around to keep a smooth shot through the bushing compensating for the bend.


not difficult, some patience and small hands works well.

[locky]

Yes I have the plate off and Rod out. There was a small metal ring on the front of the bushing when I pulled it out. The bushing is still in the tunnel so I will pull it out and install a new one along with a new coupling and a new Gene Berg shifter. Can you say smooth....