Ball cup bushing replacement

[InNeedOfBoost]

Before anyone flames me, I did a search on here and google and found nothing useful

I ordered a new ball cup bushing due to a recent slack in my shifter.

On one side, I've heard I can replace it from inside the car with the console take out. On the other, people have told me I have to drop the tranny.

I know I have to drop it if I want to replace ALL the bushings, but I'm just starting with this one for now. From what I understand, the previous owner had the bushings done when he replaced the clutch but the ball cup has been wearing out. When I got the car a year ago, the shifter was tight and felt great, lately its been getting some slack even while in gear. Still shifts perfect, just has slop that I want to get rid of.

So, to sum it up....can I replace the ball cup bushing without dropping the tranny and if so, does anyone have a link to a good write up on it?

[jlevie]

Dropping the transmission is never necessary to work on the shifter. It can be removed from the car with the transmission in place.

[E30_fiend]

it is psossible to replace thhe cup from inside the car. Pull off the knob and boot, pull out the rubber insulation if youve still got it in there, grab two small flat head screwdrivers and pry on the pry points on the cup then turn the cup counterclockwise. This picture should explain:

The pry points are the cut outs on the outside of the cup at about 4 and 10 oclock positions

[Doughnut]

Installing the new cup will require getting under the car to drop the bitch clip off the bottom of the shift rod (under the ball)

You need to get the whole rod out to remove/install, the new cup bush.

[InNeedOfBoost]

Ok, thanks for the tips! The new one should be in this week...I'll give it a go.

[dogsbark26]

Guess why they call it the bitch clip?