Manual transmission shifter mechanism moving

[eugkim]

I don't know if anyone can diagnose this problem. Our 2013 S4 6sp shifts fine, but the whole shifter mechanism will move side to side. With time, it moves to the left, so that it is impossible to get into 1st or reverse. To fix it, I put it into any other gear and pull the shifter to the right. If I pull too far to the right, it's hard to get into 5th and 6th. I had a teflon bushing replaced - the mechanic said it was worn out and thought that would fix it, but no difference.

Any ideas or experience with this?

[B7TitaniumA4]

Possible the bolt on the linkage is loose (though theoretically this should cause slippage in all directions) or the base of shifter has come off/out of the base plate somehow….


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[B7TitaniumA4]

Some pics since mine is open.

The circled areas are what keep the shifter base tight on the base plate. Possible one is broken or came off track?





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[Jay@JXB]

The bolt holding the shift lever to the linkage is the only thing that could cause that. It’s likely just a bit too loose. The behavior you’re describing I’ve been able to reproduce when setting the linkage.


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[eugkim]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have it checked out.

[eugkim]

I haven't gotten to look at this yet, but I found a great video that pretty much explains the mechanism of the problem. It's for a short shifter installation, but the description is worth its weight in gold. The relevant part is around 16 minutes

[Jay@JXB]

Haha that’s my video ;)

Feel free to hmu on Facebook (Jay Bullington) if you want any help once you open it up.


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[Jay@JXB]

I still stand by my original diagnosis that your bolt is just loose. Making it possible to “adjust” the shifter on the fly without meaning to, then letting you put it back where it should be with a bit of force.


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[WettRally]

The bolt on my shift linkage came loose last year, I put about a half turn on the bolt, heard a click and it was tight,,,,,,,, shortly after that I installed JXB plate and that seriously beefed things up

[Robstar]

Haha that’s my video ;)

Feel free to hmu on Facebook (Jay Bullington) if you want any help once you open it up.


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That same video from another recent thread is what made me purchase your kit. I got it in the mail yesterday, and installed it shortly after. My commute to work today was rather fun. Im a machinist by trade, I program high tech parts on five axis DMG machines and I must say, the manufacturing on your parts is pretty nice. Excellent product, Sorry to Jack the thread.

[eugkim]

Thanks to Jay's great video, I took the shifter apart this morning and, sure enough, good to go! The hardest part of the whole operation was trying to get the shifter mounting plate off. Once it was off, it was easy to see what the issue was. The bolt was loose which allowed the mounting clamp that attaches to the linkage to rotate. It was surprisingly loose. What a relief to finally fix this very annoying problem after 3 years. Thanks again for all the advice.