Sticky/sticking manual gear shifter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Shern · #1 11-12-2018, 06:58 PM

Found a few mentions in the archive, but nothing quite like my issue.

Noticed over the past 6 months that my shift knob/gear shifter sticks a bit to the far right of the box (mid way between 3rd and 4th). Say I’m in neutral and I move the knob straight right (toward passenger side door), it’ll stick there, a little pressure will pull snap it right back. No issues shifting into any gears, however.

Ie, feels like the prelude to something failing on me. Rather get onto it while it’s a minor annoyance.

What might I need to replace?

Stretch · #2 11-12-2018, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

Found a few mentions in the archive, but nothing quite like my issue.

Noticed over the past 6 months that my shift knob/gear shifter sticks a bit to the far right of the box (mid way between 3rd and 4th). Say I’m in neutral and I move the knob straight right (toward passenger side door), it’ll stick there, a little pressure will pull snap it right back. No issues shifting into any gears, however.

Ie, feels like the prelude to something failing on me. Rather get onto it while it’s a minor annoyance.

What might I need to replace?

If the shifter is just a bit sticky in its axial sliding in neutral then the shifter is at fault (because you say you are not getting crunching gear changes as well) - rebuilding a shifter isn't too hard a job. Probably needs a bit of clean.

I've posted some pictures of my shifter being repaired in my W201 thread somewhere - I understand the design is similar to your 240D

Shern · #3 11-12-2018, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

If the shifter is just a bit sticky in its axial sliding in neutral then the shifter is at fault (because you say you are not getting crunching gear changes as well) - rebuilding a shifter isn't too hard a job. Probably needs a bit of clean.

I've posted some pictures of my shifter being repaired in my W201 thread somewhere - I understand the design is similar to your 240D

Yes, definitely confined to the shifter itself. No issues below the car. I haven't torn the thing down yet but I'm assuming some plastic or another has failed.

Stretch · #4 11-12-2018, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

Yes, definitely confined to the shifter itself. No issues below the car. I haven't torn the thing down yet but I'm assuming some plastic or another has failed.

It might not be that bad - it could be an accumulation of years of dripping fast food (previous owner of course!) and a weak spring

(See weak springs again - you seem to be keen on weak springs)

vwnate1 · #5 11-12-2018, 10:54 PM

Go to EPC, look up your car's shifter and print out the image(s), look closely and discern what bushings, springs etc. are in there then take it apart with the foreknowledge of how it works and goes back to - gether .

Cleaning and lubricating goes a long, long way after 34 years .

koooop · #6 11-12-2018, 10:55 PM

Recently I had shifter bushings put in mine, it was a world of difference.

Sugar Bear · #7 11-12-2018, 11:08 PM

Thoroughly clean the assembly, replace all of the shifter bushings (get new clips in case you lose any), inspect and replace any worn/broken springs, adjust the shifter via the rod lengths, oil it well and you will be delighted with the result.

Good luck!!!

Shern · #8 11-13-2018, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

It might not be that bad - it could be an accumulation of years of dripping fast food (previous owner of course!) and a weak spring

(See weak springs again - you seem to be keen on weak springs)

Is is that obvious?

The thrill of replacing a broken spring...

Stretch · #9 11-13-2018, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

Is is that obvious?

The thrill of replacing a broken spring...

Yep sorry - the game is up - your card is marked!

(It was the delivery valve thread you started that sealed your fate => You be spring tamperer extraordinaire - I'm waiting for the "is it safe to cut my road springs" next)

{I'm also waiting until you realise there are springs in the timing device too!}

vwnate1 · #10 11-13-2018, 09:24 AM

? Maybe he's the 'Spring Whisperer'.......

Springs are cool and important, most folks don't grasp that you typically want the gentlest spring possible, adding extra or too hard springs wears things rapidly .

Stretch · #11 11-13-2018, 09:50 AM

...And a forum nickname is born...

Diseasel300 · #12 11-13-2018, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

{I'm also waiting until you realise there are springs in the timing device too!}

And the valve train! And the throttle linkage! And the brake booster! And the parking brake!

Oh dear!

Shern · #13 11-13-2018, 11:33 AM

Gentlemen, I shall wear it with pride.

Stretch · #14 11-13-2018, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shern

Gentlemen, I shall wear it with pride.

No longer "registered user" then? => user_cp !!!

Shern · #15 11-13-2018, 12:28 PM

Done.

Meanwhile, these appear to be the rebuild components (sigh... no springs required).

Gearshift bushing
115-267-12-50

Bushing Shift Link
115-267-07-50

Washer
115-267-06-76

And from what I've read, white lithium grease is the way to go post cleaning.