Date: Tue, 02 Jun 1998
Glenn-
I was reading one of the letters about a guy buying a Volvo and he said the tranny is loose, and you said:
"The gearbox is built like a tank, and probably just needs a new nylon bushing on the bottom end of the shift lever. I've had to replace that part a couple of times."
I am thinking that I will have to replace this part myself as I am the only person who can feel just exactly where first is without jamming it into reverse. I learned what the correct feel was test-driving a P1800 for sale here in Houston. (This test drive also enlightened me to how messed up my ball joints were! Now it feels like power steering since they are fixed.) Anyway, I wanted to know a little more information on this bushing. Is this the bushing that is on the carrier (Haynes manual page 101, part no. 21)? If so, is it difficult to replace and where would be a good place to locate this bushing?
Thanks for your help,
Bart
--
Barton W. Trawick, M.S.
Bart - If the bushing is worn out, the gearshift lever will seem very sloppy. That is, you will be able to move the shifter four or five inches in any direction without putting the car in gear. Another possible effect is the one you mentioned -- difficulty distinguishing between reverse and first. However, this may also be caused by a missing reverse lockout part.
The part you mentioned, number 21 on page 101 of the Haynes manual, is indeed the bushing I was talking about. If anyone still has them, it will be John Sharisky at Boston Volvo (1-800-336-2355). Ask for part number 380311.
Installation is a thirty-minute job. Remove the gearshift boot by pulling it up out of the hole in the carpet. This will expose a small plate with four Allen bolts in it. Remove the Allen bolts carefully -- there is a spring underneath -- and be sure to remember the position of the reverse lockout part, which is held to the plate by two of the bolts.
Once you have unscrewed the bolts, the gearshift, plate and spring may be lifted out. Have a rag ready -- the end of the shifter will be covered with smelly transmission oil. Set the shifter aside and see if any pieces of the original bushing remain in the hole. If so, remove them before inserting the new bushing. You will LOVE how it feels after you put it back together. -Glenn.