Hi all,

The gearstick in my 1998 Turbo 2000 has a significant amount of horizontal play in the neutral position, starting from dead center all the way to the left between 1st and 2nd gear. It isn't a super annoying issue, but I'm wondering if it's common enough that someone may know how to fix it?

As a side question either in response to a "no it cant be fixed" or just as a curiosity, does anyone know of any good upgrades for the gear selector? Maybe something more solid/gated with a better action?

Cheers as always guys

 

Given it's age, in the first inst, it could probably do with all the plastic and rubber bushings renewed to remove any slack.



There is also the opportunity to fit a short shift stick either just the stick itself or a complete unit to improve the shift.
For example:

Kartboy


Graham Goode

Many other are available - check the web.

STI complete replacement assembly

 

Speak to @AS Performance and get a set of nylon bushes, will significantly tighten up your gear changes!

 

That's great, thanks guys! I'll have a look.

Do we reckon it could be the gear linkage spring? I think the 98 model year still had one underneath the car rather than internally but not sure. The problem is there's a lot of rust to deal with on the jacking points so I'm hesitant to raise the car and go digging right now!

 

https://www.importcarparts.co.uk/par...y=&searchPart=

 

I bought this kit but the only parts that were perished were the bushes at the base of the gearstick beneath the centre console.

Once they were replaced, the gears where pretty much good as new with practically no play

 

Have you tried replacing the U joint? Seems to make the biggest difference before replacing the rest of the bushings.

https://twenty20racing.com.au/produc...pd-wrx-my99-00

 

That's great to hear, how difficult was it to change over? I'm hesitant of messing with the gearstick only because if I screw it up I can't drive the car somewhere to get fixed!

 

Removing the centre console is simple. If the bushes visible are perishing it will be fairly obvious that they have broken down. I think grease affects the nylon from what happened to mine.

The nut bolt (B)01560B500(1) on the diagram below, may be the only fixing you need to access.

 

Long story short on this one. I had planned to rebuild it myself using this kit which I purchased: https://www.importcarparts.co.uk/par...y=&searchPart=

Shortly after, the gearbox blew (third gear as usual) so I ordered a used one for £150 on ebay along with a brand new clutch and lightweight racing flywheel to go with it. I just paid the garage a nominal £50 or so to rebuild the gear linkage on the new box while it was being fitted.

Since then, no slack, no play. Everything tight as it should be.

All good now!