Manual Transmission Sloppy Shifting Topic is solved

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 06 Jul 2019, 12:50

Hey everyone. On my 95 850 Non Turbo, my manual transmission is shifting sloppy. I changed out the rubber bushings with stainless steel bushings on the transmission, so it cant be those. Basically the horizontal motion is tight (ie left to right) but the vertical (forwards and backwards) is super loose and when its in gear it continues to move back and forth. I can post a video if desired. Its especially bad between 3 and 4. I'm not sure if its the cables or the shifter. I actually went ahead and tried to find new cables but it looks like no one makes them anymore.

What is the proper diagnosing procedure here? Take apart the center console and check the shifter next? I'm in the middle of working a double delivery shift so I wont be able to take anything apart until tonight.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Post by **Clemens** » 07 Jul 2019, 01:43

I know this isn't very helpful, but my 94 T5M has the same issue. Getting into reverse might take 2 or three tries.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 07 Jul 2019, 14:38

Clemens wrote: ↑07 Jul 2019, 01:43 I know this isn't very helpful, but my 94 T5M has the same issue. Getting into reverse might take 2 or three tries.

This does actually help. Means I'm not crazy.

I took a look at the engine side of the shift linkage and everything still looks good. The actual vertical shifter moves forward and backwards smoothly in the transmission. The transmission part swings like butter. So if there's an issue I'm betting it's in the shifter itself.

I'll report back as soon as I have info

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 07 Jul 2019, 18:48

Okay reporting back.

Turns out I'm a hypochondriac.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with my shifter. Like nothing at all.

Post by **Clemens** » 08 Jul 2019, 13:20

That´s good news. I´m like that myself, btw. ...

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 08 Jul 2019, 19:35

Clemens wrote: ↑08 Jul 2019, 13:20 That´s good news. I´m like that myself, btw. ...

Hahaha. Well I forgot to add what the fix was. It was adding a Snabb short throw shifter to the car. Shifts are crisp and sporty. It has been two days of driving with it and it really does breathe new life into the old 850. Now I just need a boosted turbo engine to go along with this sporty shifting.

Post by **j-dawg** » 09 Jul 2019, 01:35

The factory shifter is garbage. The Snabb short shifter is, like, required. If I had an 850 with three wheels and four pistons, I'd probably order the short shifter first.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 09 Jul 2019, 08:32

j-dawg wrote: ↑09 Jul 2019, 01:35 The factory shifter is garbage. The Snabb short shifter is, like, required. If I had an 850 with three wheels and four pistons, I'd probably order the short shifter first.

You so succinctly captured my exact feelings.