Improving the gear shift?

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Mon, 07/12/2015 - 06:28
mud
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Hi everyone, the shift on my 1990 G300 D W463 is not as slick as it probably could be. It's getting a bit stiff even when I move it side to side to check for neutral. Is there a way to live it or adjust it please? Thanks
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Mon, 07/12/2015 - 09:01
#1
Arnie
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Re: Improving the gear shift?

I guess you mean the auto shift lever, as most 463s in the UK were autos?

If so, you will need to get underneath with an oil can and lubricate the links. The pivot mechanism under the level, but inside the car should also receive a drop of oil,

If you are referring to a manual transmission, then have you tried changing the oil?

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Mon, 07/12/2015 - 09:23
#2
Russ280
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Re: Improving the gear shift?

I'm guessing it's a manual?

 
If so I would suggest changing all of the small bushes in the linkages. These are accessed from under the car.
 
Lots of them but pennies from a MB dealer.
 
This will improve the shift quality no end.
 
If you remove the gear lever gator you can lubricate the linkages there as well
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Mon, 07/12/2015 - 22:48
#3
JASONGDS
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Re: Improving the gear shift?

If it is manual, get some spray grease etc, get underneath with a torch and you will see the bottom of the gear linkage near the central propshaft, some metal bushes/washers get rusty in there, douse in oil and will be much improved, tho unfortunately I think there are some plastic parts in there as well which oil will not prolong life, but probably worn anyway. Mine suffers after use in snow.

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Mon, 07/12/2015 - 23:14
#4
mud
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Re: Improving the gear shift?
Thanks everyone, yes she's a manual. I'll have a look this weekend.
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Wed, 09/12/2015 - 15:29
#5
Simon666
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Re: Improving the gear shift?
Mines a 460.. so as Jason's suggestion might be aimed at doing the same but from underneath. As well as the various clips etc that affect linkage engagement, I found the biggest difference to what you are feeling was simply lubing up the cradle mechanism that the lever sits in on top of the Box... on a 460 you just undo the gear change gator inside the car, then I used WD40 to clean the various bushes (plastic & metal) up, then a light penetrating oil designed for bike chain lubrication after to actually give a very smooth change. Made a big difference to mine Best Simon
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Tue, 05/01/2016 - 21:42
#6
mud
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Re: Improving the gear shift?
A big thanks for all the advice. I pulled the gear lever gator up and gave it a good spray. The difference is amazing! If it ever stops raining I'll explore a bit further underneath. Cheers Mud
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