Can't remove shift cables due to bearing mod

[90tsiawdturbo]

Whoever put the "skatebearing mod" on my car must have smashed them on with a hammer because I cannot get them off at all....I'm not really sure how to get them off without damaging anything...I'd really hate to try and wrestle the motor out without the trans because of the stupid cables....

 

[Steve93Talon]

Soak them with anti-seize a few times, then try to work them off. You also usually need to unbolt the bracket so that they can pull straight up, if you're pulling at an angle they won't move. Worst case, you could try to rig some sort of puller.

 

[silvreclips]

You also usually need to unbolt the bracket so that they can pull straight up, if you're pulling at an angle they won't move. Worst case, you could try to rig some sort of puller.

This, they wont come off if you are pulling at any sort of angle.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

This, they wont come off if you are pulling at any sort of angle.

Yes, this for sure. The fit is so precise that you have to unbolt the bracket, and pull them perfectly straight. If this fails then use or make a small jaw puller.

If it's any consolation, the center sleeve of the factory bushings usually rusts on there anyways, so it likely would have been just as difficult.

 

[90tsiawdturbo]

Have been soaking it with wd40 for a like a week...I'll have to unbolt the bracket and see where that gets me...I've never had stock ones rust up on me and I remember trying to do the mod on my own car back in the day but never went through with it because of this exact problem haha....I even broke a c clamp in half trying to get it loose!

 

[My96AWD]

Wd40 is like water. Try some break away or some pb blaster. It will still fight you though. I'vealways had to take them off with a giant pair of chanel locks that I have.

 

[Blurred Talon]

PB Blaster or Honey Goo is the way to go for penetrating lube.

 

[97gsxIA]

Can also try the "cotter pin plier tap"

Rest channel locks/needle nose pliers/any sort of pliers underneath the bushing similar to grabbing a cotter pin and hit upwards with a mallet directly on the set of pliers close as you can to the bushing.

 

[estoyaqui30]

I had the same thing, those bearings really rust on. Lots of soaking and maybe a two claw puller. I would be a bit careful not to break the lever. You might be able to use a very small torch or a heat gun and see t that helps. When I did it, I got the cable off of the bearing first and then dealt with the bearing. I replaced it with a delrin bushing afterwards.

 

[curt-s]

Can you use a small gear puller?

 

[estoyaqui30]

You can try as long as you have room. Just be really careful not to break off the shaft that the bearing is on.

 

[mitsubishikid]

You might be able to us one of those battery terminal post pullers, it might just be small enough to fit on it.
also use some pb blaster then get some light grit sand paper and use it over the exposed part of the shifter assembly, before attempting to use a puller tool on it.

just realized this post is last years news... oh well might help someone who is looking.