Noisy Shifting

[xzener]

Hello everyone,

Is there a way to silence a clunky, metal-on-metal, noisy shifter?? Moving the shifter side to side while in neutral sounds horrible. Is there a bushing or something that I can replace/install for smooth, silent shifting??

Thanks guys.
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My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>!

[Paul70Ghia]

There's a nylon bush in the centre tunnel about three inches behind the shift rod - these wear and split leaving the shift rod to hit the metal hanger which is the unpleasant noise you're getting. If you search shift rod bush there are plenty of articles on how to replace. Bit fiddly but not difficult- takes an hour or so but makes big improvement to shift quality

Moderator Edit: Shift rod bushing Replacement - Cheater Method

[xzener]

Thanks Paul70Ghia,

After searching the correct wording, I did find a couple articles. JBUGS even has a great write up and YouTube video. Have the part on order, looking forward to a smooth/quiet shift soon.

http://www.jbugs.com/product/video-shifter-rebuild.html

Thanks again!
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My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>!

[c21darrel]

You ordered the coupler too right?
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GhiaBuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=481184
1967 DC build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=693583&highlight=67+dc
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[xzener]

I will have a look when I take things apart... Is the urethane one the way to go? Always heard urethane bushings were squeaky, not necessarily this one in particular. I think it was a swing arm bushing that was squeaky.
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My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>!

[c21darrel]

CB makes a good one.
http://www.cbperformance.com/product-p/6110.htm
_________________
GhiaBuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=481184
1967 DC build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=693583&highlight=67+dc
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[xzener]

Purchased. Thanks C21Darrel!
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My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>!

[xzener]

Replaced and test drove. Shifts quieter and smooth. After sound deadening material, carpet, upholstery... Probably won't hear a thing. Very happy with the results. Recommend this afternoon project to everyone, quick and easy.
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My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>!

[c21darrel]

[xzener]

Haha! Nice one... Actually drove to my local Vdub guy for a look at why it won't idle. My first drive after purchasing it. After it struggles through 1st and 2nd, it really wants to go. Such a fun car to drive. Must have looked pretty funny driving a car with no windows. Couldn't hear anything but the wind going through my hair. 😏
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My 70 beetle was totaled Now to build the Ghia I always wanted. Rest in peace Ruby, I will miss you. Hello <insert Ghia name here>!

[calexican]

Kind of an old post.... but thought I would share my experience. I was having smooth shifting, but a squeaky shifting situation.... so I figured shift rod bushing...when I went to replace it, I noticed that there wasn’t an old one to replace... and the new one would not fit... checked the Bentley manual, and sure enough, up to a certain chassis number there is no bushing.... so anyway, I cleaned the shift rod and greased up the guide, works perfectly.... so in the future I’ll just need to grease that spot just behind the shifter... chocked that one up for experience.

[calexican]

Notice no clip either in this illustration.

The Haynes manual has the clip in the illustration.

[dualport]

Thanks very much for this call-out. I was worried that someone fashioned their I am working on a '57 pan and am frustrated with the shifting action on the new transmission.

I guess the only thing I'll be able to do is keep sanding/smoothing the shift rod as it has gotten really corroded over the years. I'll probably need to upgrade my shifter as the '59 donor shifter pin is nearly gone.