Is this my shifting problem?

[Tsi_User]

Alright, after following all the guidelines on vfaq and such, I still have a ton of side-to-side play when my car is in gear.

These pics show it in gear, and pushed over to both sides. As you can see, the left arm/cable has moved (you can see the difference if you look at the shifter bushing underneath it).

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Does this mean my shifter cables are bad?

 

[Kayo]

If you have an excessive amount of side-to-side play in your shifter in any position I would first check the shifter cable mount on the top of the transmission(just under the Cam Angle Sensor).

It is a plate that is held in by two 10mm bolts. It should be tightly secured to the top of the transmission housing.

 

[EagleTalonTim]

I agree with Kayo. You should also check the rubber connectors where your shifter connects to your transmission. If those are worn excessively, replace them. I had the same problem and found that the metal spacers on the shifter cables were worn. I went the cheap route and formed me a small piece of metal to fit in the extra space. Works well for me

 

[Tsi_User]

I agree with Kayo. You should also check the rubber connectors where your shifter connects to your transmission.

I have metal underhood and shifter base bushings on there already.

The mounting point under the hood on the transmission has minimal movement in it, it's on there pretty tight.\ and i have already tried to tighten it down as much as possible.

 

[Kayo]

Not to question your integrity or anything, but exactly how much side to side play are we talking about? 1", 1/2"....? I used to have a similar problem with my 2G but I installed a Symborski Shifter Kit and it worked great. I have very minimal shifter play now.

You can pick them up from MachV Motorsports for about $36. Symborski Shifter Kit

If you're interested you can read the install guide HERE and decide whether or not its worth $40 bucks.

 

[Tsi_User]

I have the symborski kit, I have both underhood and shifter base bushings. The arm mechanism on the transmission is on there tight.

As an example, when i put it into second gear, i can easily move the shifter half an inch both ways, when I look at the shifter plate/cables when it is in gear and moving, the left shifter cable actually moves in and out- you can tell because the metal parts of the shifter cable is moving and and out of the black shifter cable casing.

 

[Mr Peepers]

Side to side movement of the knob in the car moves the selector fork up and down on the transmission. Check the vertical lever on the transmission for play, the cable should only move ~1/16" back and forth before moving the entire assembly(other lever) up and down. Hopefully it is only in the mount and not inside the actual transmission.

Check the cable mounts in the car and on the transmission and make sure they are solid too, not just the rubber bushing part at the end of the cables.

Best of luck