Stiff shifter

[Mad1stGen]

As I go thru my phone, I forgot we snapped this picture while working on Mike Tixer's 97. This is the reason why all these shifters feel stiff. The bare metal linkage rusts inside the MLPS causing the plastic ring to expand. Removing the MLPS in one piece is often impossible in this situation, so be prepared to have a replacement available before you tackle this repair. The rod had to be ground down to clean up the built up rust. All smooth now.

 

[tixer]

Great pictures Jeremi, Thanks! And thanks for your help diagnosing and repairing this.

I just drove it again last night for the first time since I got home and am still amazed by how much of a difference this fix has made.

Since it has already been removed for the photos, the MLPS mounts on the two "shiny" studs in the photo, and surrounds the (rusty part of the) shaft. Although it is designed to simply slide over the end of the shaft, even once unbolted the rust made it impossible to remove cleanly. It had to be broken and pried off in multiple pieces. We then cleaned the shaft with a Dremel tool, as a wire brush proved insufficent. A new MLPS was installed, and the improvement in feel was dramatic. It was worth every penny.

It is worth noting that my car is basically rust-free. I'm guessing that others may have it worse than I did.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

Well hello there. It only took 4 years since Tixer and M1g found the solution to the stiff shifter for me to actually do something about it. Now I know how Mike felt when he had it done. Like butta!

I went ahead and bought a new mlps on ebay ahead of time in case mine broke upon removal. I had trouble the first time around and felt like I was going to break something (other than the mlps) so I sprayed some lube on it and let it marinate for a couple days. Not willing to risk breaking something I brought it over to my buddy (Mechanic/Mark viii savior) sprayed it with the good stuff, used 2 long flat heads (4 &7 o'clock) on either side of the shaft and wiggled it off in one piece, but it was still junk. Cleaned the shaft the best he could and put lube (?) around it to help keep moisture out.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

The master at work.

 

[billcu]

Nice job!

It took me a while to get to mine too, but it's an easy fix, worth the time.

My CE problem turned out to be the corroded shaft and MLPS too, not the cable like the red Mark.

You're right, at that point, the MLPS is junk anyway.

I did mine about 3 years ago though, great thread revival.:thumbsup:

 

[Lownslowlsc]

Nice job!

It took me a while to get to mine too, but it's an easy fix, worth the time.

My CE problem turned out to be the corroded shaft and MLPS too, not the cable like the red Mark.

You're right, at that point, the MLPS is junk anyway.

I did mine about 3 years ago though, great thread revival.:thumbsup:

Well worth the time. Just upset that I didn't do it sooner.

Doesn't hurt to bump it up for other members that might be experiencing similar issues thinking that a firm shifter is normal.