Need help removing front shift rod

millinario

Massive noob here....

My shifter and stop plate were toast so I have replacements.

Trying to replace my front shifter rod, but I can't get the old one out. I have searched quite hard but can't find a decent 'How To' anywhere.

Removed grub screw from the front coupler (also had one screw missing), it wasn't an 8mm square head screw and had no hole for the safety wire. Btw, anyone seen a coupler like this, looks nothing like anything I've seen during my internet searches:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Do I need to do the same at the rear coupler? Even then I don't see how either of the rods will come out?

This plate at the front of the cup of the front shift rod stops it sliding out:

How do I get this sucker out folks?!

FWIW I think I left her in neutral when I removed the shifter. Mistake?

Ran When Parked · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 4:49 pm Post subject: noob too

I am a noob too (but have seen this asked a lot).

Many ways to tackle this job. Some better than others. Hopefully, I am responding with the right solutions to ur issue.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=602951

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=475806

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=213089

Saying this in a friendly philosophical way, this topic made me think "it is stuff like this that made the gods go quiet". Meaning, folks that have been answering this question for 20 plus years must be tired of it and remain silent....

OK, enough B.S. from me tonight!!! Good luck!!!!

Edit: is a summary thread for this issue on the Split Bus FAQ?

millinario · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: noob too

OK, thanks, helpful links. Embarassed

So when I get this front coupler off the front shifter rod can be removed by pulling back towards the engine? This is the part I'm having trouble getting my head around.

millinario · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 7:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks again for the nudge Sh*tBird, has improved my search skills no end.

Found this image in the gallery

I have the early type coupler on my 74 bus, good to know.

Ran When Parked · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 8:48 pm Post subject: Re: noob too

easy e · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 9:33 pm Post subject:

Love that ^^ visual

Front might need to be cut... carefully.

Rear... I think maybe someone has had success changing rear shift rod bushing with transmission in... but from what I recall.... need trans out.

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EverettB · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2015 11:18 pm Post subject: Re: noob too

Saw this post, the thread below is now in the Bus FAQ:

peterxxl · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 7:56 am Post subject:

sub-hatchtim · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 6:14 pm Post subject:

cut it and replace it

use anti seize on install

http://www.bustoration.com/Shift-Rod-Coupler--62-2-4_p_246.html
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KevinAlbrecht · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 8:05 pm Post subject:

Stocknazi · Samba Member Joined: June 18, 2004 Posts: 5557

Heat usually does the job getting the coupler apart. Heat the coupler and screws until they are glowing red then cool quickly with cold water.

You may have to repeat the process a few times.

Most of the time a propane torch works, but I have had a couple that required a little more heat from an oxy/act torch.

You can lay wet rags on the floor above the coupler and the heater tube underneeth. Don't melt your choke or fuel tap cable sheeth if you have one.

If the screws are broken off, you will have to cut it like in the pic above.
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millinario · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 9:31 am Post subject:

Gonna try the heat route later this week.....damn real life getting in the way of imporant kombi work for now. If I get no joy I'll be forced to cut the coupler.

Screws are out thankfully (one was actually missing).

Appreciate all the repsonses. Will update.

iamdonquixote · Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:29 pm Post subject:

Heat, heat heat.
Heat the coupler until it is very cherry red and twist the rod back and forth with a good set of vice grips ( if the front of the rod is not connected to the shifter ).

crukab · Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2015 3:54 am Post subject:

millinario · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 1:42 pm Post subject:

ajdfhifgwodldbfsjgflahl.....it feels like the coupler and the middle shift rod have been welded togethor. As it's 'above' the coupler (between coupler and the floor of the bus) I can't see any weld, but it certaily feels that way when I run my finger up there.

KevinAlbrecht · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 2:19 pm Post subject:

Here is the extent of hacking required to remove mine:

Don't let that fucker beat you.
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crofty · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 2:44 pm Post subject:

Fiatdude · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 3:58 pm Post subject:

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millinario · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:00 am Post subject:

Man this is bugging me, still can't get the middle shift rod out! More advice needed please. Sad

This all started because I had ridiculous slop when changing gears (the gear stick was doing a 180 and 3-4th were very hard to find). Upon inspection the shift plate was cracked and the pin/ball of the gear stick was horribly worn. I ordered both new. They arrived with a new front shift rod too (turns out the gear stick and front linkage didn't belong in my Kombi).

So....I ended up cutting the front shift rod with my grinder to within an inch of the coupler in the hope I would be able to slide the middle shift rod forward and out (heating/cooling the coupler mulitple times had no effect...I suspected it's been welded in place).

No joy. Is my only play now to cut the coupler? I'm going to measure later after work, but I can't believe that removing that extra 3 inches or so of metal will allow the rod to slide forward and out. The tube housing the rod doesn't seem short enough to allow it to 'drop' enough.

I really want the rod out so I clean out and grease that tubing under the bus. I guess I could forget that, cut the coupler, get a replacement and join things up again.

Edit: also found that the middle shift rod has been cut and welded by PO too. Maybe it's the wrong part or PO had it cut to remove it??!!

BarryL · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 9:40 am Post subject:

When you say 'middle rod" you are talking the one the lays in the belly running down that hollow tube? That rod can only be pulled all the way out from the rear after pulling the transaxle.


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