Resolved 420a Shifter bushing alternatives

[RexEclipse2g]

I could give the story but I dont want to waste too much or your time. So are the shifter bushings that attach to the transmission on a NVT350 (420a) trans the same ones as the 4g63 transmission? Or where could I order a new set of bushings or a replacement for the old ones?

 

[dwb]

I'm assuming you're talking about the shifter cable bushings on the trans side. It appears the gearshift cables are the same part number between 420a and and a 4g63 AWD, so the bushings are too. Standard skateboard bearings fit perfectly, or you can go with something like this:

STM Shifter Cable Bearing Kit for DSM & 3000GT *DISCONTINUED*

The STM Shifter Cable Bearing Kit will give you a very firm shift. You'll need to press these in, but if you don't have a press, "big ass C-clamps" have been known to do the trick. Works with all 1990-1999 FWD/AWD manual DSM, 3000GT and Stealth models.

stmtuned.com

 

[RexEclipse2g]

I'm assuming you're talking about the shifter cable bushings on the trans side. It appears the gearshift cables are the same part number between 420a and and a 4g63 AWD, so the bushings are too. Standard skateboard bearings fit perfectly, or you can go with something like this:

STM Shifter Cable Bearing Kit for DSM & 3000GT *DISCONTINUED*

The STM Shifter Cable Bearing Kit will give you a very firm shift. You'll need to press these in, but if you don't have a press, "big ass C-clamps" have been known to do the trick. Works with all 1990-1999 FWD/AWD manual DSM, 3000GT and Stealth models.

stmtuned.com

Thanks, ill try it out, but would you happen to know a good method of removing the one currently in the cable?

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Thanks, ill try it out, but would you happen to know a good method of removing the one currently in the cable?

They are 1 piece rubber bushings with a metal sleeve, and a larger diameter lip on either side that fit snug in the cable. You can use a lot of force to pop them through, or simply cut away the lip on one side and it will slide right out. If you're able to remove the metal sleeve then the rubber should push right through. It's usually easier to cut a lip off though. It's not fun to mess with these when the cables are on the car, but can be done in just a few minutes. I recommend removing the battery tray to replace them. It's not necessary but will make your life a ton easier.

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[RexEclipse2g]

They are 1 piece rubber bushings with a metal sleeve, and a larger diameter lip on either side that fit snug in the cable. You can use a lot of force to pop them through, or simply cut away the lip on one side and it will slide right out. If you're able to remove the metal sleeve then the rubber should push right through. It's usually easier to cut a lip off though. It's not fun to mess with these when the cables are on the car, but can be done in just a few minutes. I recommend removing the battery tray to replace them. It's not necessary but will make your life a ton easier.

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So i went ahead and bought the new bushing/bearing for the shift links off of the website the previous person linked, ill keep updated, but just incase i could be wrong, those kinda look like they were made mostly of metal, unlike the oem ones or just plain rubber ones, so i figure it works kinda like billet aluminum mounts, in that sense, or is it still always rubber, and it just looked off to me?

 

[dwb]

Those bushings I posted previously are literally just two skateboard bearings welded together, so pretty much all steel. You'll need a c-clamp or large pair of channel locks or similar to get them pressed into your cable end. Not having any rubber on them (IMO) doesn't negatively affect it since it can help eliminate some shifter slop.

 

[RexEclipse2g]

Those bushings I posted previously are literally just two skateboard bearings welded together, so pretty much all steel. You'll need a c-clamp or large pair of channel locks or similar to get them pressed into your cable end. Not having any rubber on them (IMO) doesn't negatively affect it since it can help eliminate some shifter slop.

Thats funny i was wondering why it was cheaper, besides that though, i see the website has some listed as "under hood" as to why im kinda confused and concerned about wether or not i made the right choice of which one i need, but im in my local auto parts store getting rtv/gasket making and just coming up with my own thing

 

[RexEclipse2g]

So to anyone who's still curious, I figured something out. Just a bit of context, i went to mitsubishi dealership to find the bushing but they dont sell it, but the auto care superviser gave me a little bushing that I figure served another purpose, (also dwb was right about the skateboard bearings if anyone was curious) but heres pretty much what i did.

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This is what i started with, i first removed the leftover bushings with a flathead scredriver to the side and it pretty much just folded in word and fell out, that other bushing is what i received from the auto care guy at the dealership, i used sand paper to clean the interior surface so i could fill the gap between the bushing and the arm using rtv/gasket maker

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For about an hour, (very tedious i know) i was making sure that the rtv would dry while the new bushing was level and centered in the arm, its pretty sloppy but i cleaned it up in the end using a razor.

I would also like to state as far as i know or expect this to go this is a very temporary fix, i dont expect it to last as long as the original oem part or anything like that, shifts feel nice and im actually getting all of my gears now, but like i stated before, this is extremley expiremental.

Unfortunatley I dont have a picture of the finished product, sorry.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

That's definitely not something I would do unless absolutely necessary. Once your new bushings arrive you'll now have to remove all the sealant. Which is probably not that big of deal but definitely extra time and effort.

Whenever my shifter bushings went bad I just use the shift levers by hand and put it in first or second to get home/garage. I guess if it's a daily driver you had to do something. I probably would have used wood. It's not the ideal material either but more solid and snug than a undersized bushing and sealant.

Since we're on the topic, I'll mention that there is another option besides the skate bearings. Torque Solutions makes plastic bushings for these. I personally use them.

 

[dwb]

So to anyone who's still curious, I figured something out. Just a bit of context, i went to mitsubishi dealership to find the bushing but they dont sell it, but the auto care superviser gave me a little bushing that I figure served another purpose, (also dwb was right about the skateboard bearings if anyone was curious) but heres pretty much what i did.

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

This is what i started with, i first removed the leftover bushings with a flathead scredriver to the side and it pretty much just folded in word and fell out, that other bushing is what i received from the auto care guy at the dealership, i used sand paper to clean the interior surface so i could fill the gap between the bushing and the arm using rtv/gasket maker

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

For about an hour, (very tedious i know) i was making sure that the rtv would dry while the new bushing was level and centered in the arm, its pretty sloppy but i cleaned it up in the end using a razor.

I would also like to state as far as i know or expect this to go this is a very temporary fix, i dont expect it to last as long as the original oem part or anything like that, shifts feel nice and im actually getting all of my gears now, but like i stated before, this is extremley expiremental.

Unfortunatley I dont have a picture of the finished product, sorry.

I would stack a large flat washer on top of your temporary bushing. Just in case the RTV doesn't hold, the washer will keep the cable from separating from the shift lever.

 

[RexEclipse2g]

Its been working fine suprisingly, ive had no issues since ive been driving the car in this current state, i have the new replacing but i havent been bothered to replace them since im not having any problems, i have little to no play in my shifter, its pretty interesting how its working, and about the washers I never got rid of the oem ones (if they even are oem) but ill give it another month before i say its effective