Loose shifter in W124 Automatic

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Thom - 07 Oct 2005 20:10 GMT

All,

Last week, I started noticing quite a bit of fore/aft play in my shift
lever, accompanied by loud clicking (heard from outside the car) when
moving the lever.

Now, I assume this would be a linkage problem, but not sure if
something would've come loose, or if I have some bad bushing(s). I
have searched the group and found some info on 190E's, but wasn't sure
if it would be the same major undertaking for the 300E as it would be
for the 190E.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks, Thom
1989 300E , 246,000 miles

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Peter W Peternouschek - 07 Oct 2005 21:22 GMT

The bushings when they get old, crack and fall out causing the play in the
shift lever. There are two nylon bushings.
The lower on is pretty easy to replace. The upper one is more difficult. I
only replaced the lower one on my 190E 2.6 and decided I could live with the
play caused by the missing upper bushing.
If any one has any ideas how to get to the upper bushing on the 2.6 190E I
sure would like the advice.
Peter

> All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Thanks, Thom
> 1989 300E , 246,000 miles

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JB - 08 Oct 2005 03:21 GMT

> All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Thanks, Thom
> 1989 300E , 246,000 miles

The bushing is indeed the culprit. I found the easiest thing to do was
literally to remove the gear shift out of the car. Once you remove the
walnut trim, 4 bolts secure the shifter. After removing the clevis that
connects the gearshift to the actuator under the car, the gearshift
comes straight up and out. . Some folks can get the replacement bushing
pressed in cleanly from underneath the car without pulling the
gearshift. My fat fingers just couldn't see fit to do that. Good luck
either way and let us know how it goes.
JB
88 300E
99 E55

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