DSG Shifter Assembly Replacement

[jduranf14]

Long story short, I somehow managed to break the plastic shaft from my B8.5 S4's shifter assembly.

I'm now in the process of replacing the assembly, got a used part from eBay (after hours upon hours of research to make sure I have the right PN).

After receiving some guidance from a guy on my local Audi group, and a random post I found here on AZ, I've removed the exhaust (perfect timing since I just got an AWE Touring!) and I'm about to remove the driveshaft.

My question is, can the shifter cable be disconnected from the shifter assembly? When I was looking for the replacement shifter, I saw some sellers (including AudiParts and ECS) sell the shifter without a cable, which led me to think that it was "easily" removable. Reason: To reach the location where the cable connects to the transmission involves lowering the transmission and removing a bunch of braces. I don't feel comfortable doing that...

I've been messing around with the new shifter trying to remove the cable that came with it, but I've only managed to remove a retainer clip that released the cable about 1 inch, but it's still attached to something inside.

I have since purchased the tech manual for more detailed instructions on how to R/R the cable, but it's pretty cryptic once it get to the part where you disconnect it from the shifter. It just says "Remove the selector lever cable - 2 - from the selector mechanism." and jumps to installation.

Any guidance here? Please and thank you!!!

[fastboatster]

Yes, shifter cable can be disconnected from the shifter assembly, it’s held by the clip. You’ll also need to loosen the adjuster screw in the shifter assembly, had to do this when my shifter cable was broken (!!!) by some towyard f*cktards. Get a service manual, it’s described there.
P.S. take a look at the cable adjustment section, you’ll see the adjustment screw I was talking about you’ll also need to loosen, that screw is what’s still holding the cable

[jduranf14]

Thank you!!! I'll check it out later today.
Checked the manual and found this:
https://imgur.com/a/XjsyTU5
Is this the adjuster screw you're referring to?

[jduranf14]

Ok it looks like that is it. However it looks like it uses an odd size hex key. I tried 5mm and it stripped the tool (thankfully!!) but a 5.5 mm doesn't fit 😩

I did measure my "5mm" and it measured at 4.8, maybe I should try to get a better quality long reach 5mm? 🤔

[jduranf14]

Update: I managed to loosen the screw using a higher quality 5mm long reach key. The cable was released from the shifter assembly with no problems.

In an effort to gauge how difficult it will be to reinsert the cable into the shifter when I'm under the car, I've been "practicing" how to insert it on my bench. It's proving to be pretty difficult... It just doesn't want to sit under the clamping screw. Any tips?