. Is there supposed to be a grommet in that hole (79 450SL); and 2. How the &%@+$ do you remove that clip when you can barely see it. Do I have to break it?

JC201
79 450SL

Presumably you are referring to the gear shift linkage clip (see pic). You use a long blade screwdriver and push the clip out. Installation requires a long-nosed grips to put the clip into position (inverted) and using the screwdriver you push the clip in place, then you turn it around (opening downwards). To install the bushes you can use the proper tool for the job and if you cannot source it you can split the bush with a blade, curl it and install by hand, it will spring back to its original position. ~ hope it helps.

~*~

 

Presumably you are referring to the gear shift linkage clip (see pic). You use a long blade screwdriver and push the clip out. Installation requires a long-nosed grips to put the clip into position (inverted) and using the screwdriver you push the clip in place, then you turn it around (opening downwards). To install the bushes you can use the proper tool for the job and if you cannot source it you can split the bush with a blade, curl it and install by hand, it will spring back to its original position. ~ hope it helps.

~*~

The splitting the bushing with a razor trick is the easiest way by far, I just did the bottom bushing this way while the top one I kinda shaved the rim so it will slide in a bit on, but these damn bushing are tight to get on and they do snap in once it's on

 

What he said, and there are two of them, one on each end. Raise the car up on jack stands, and take a look, not the funnest job in the world, but it is doable....

I did mine when I was replacing the flex disks, so it wasn't too bad.

 

I've seen the shift link bushing repair kits on Mercedessource.com. The kits consists of the bushings, a wire "L" tool, and the plier tool shown above. Apparently you can do without the special tools, but if you want to just get it done without the hassle, then the kit is for you. I've seen the bushings alone for like $6.
I have to do this job myself, as I have had the pleasure of not being able to start the car, and after checking all the hard stuff first, didn't think it was out of gear and wouldn't start because of that! Smh....that's me though. At least I know my neutral switch is working.
What is a "trackback" on the reply box? I'd like to post a link for the tool kit and I don't exactly know how....I'll try.

https://mercedessource.com/problems/transmission/manual-transmission-shift-linkage-binding

 

I put mine in some boiling water before I pressed them in, made it a touch easier.

If you don't have the tool to press them in.

 

3547fl, I've used that same trick to put ferrules on golf club shafts.
Thanks

JC201
79 450SL

 

Thanks for the help. The link to the repair kit is
https://mercedessource.com/store/au...matic-transmission-shift-rod-bushing-replacement-tool-kit-new-bushings-included $40.

Might be well worth the money. I've been under the car for two hours with no progress - but then, I'm old and slow.

Do you know if there is another bushing on the shift rod near the shift lever? I can't see that far, but maybe I can after I take the neutral safety switch off. If so this repair tool will pay for itself.

JC201
79 450SL

 

Thanks Erlick. Found those tools. And thanks rockcrusher; I was wondering if there were two.

JC201
79 450SL

 

Yes, there are two bushes. It helps to set the gear lever on 1st gear so that the bushes are closer to the front of the car. There is a good DYI writeup and how to make your own bushings tool

It helps to lubricate the bushes (externally and internally) with Servisol (silicon grease), it makes the job a great deal easier and keeps the linkage lubricated. Hope it helps.

~*~

 

I just had my bushings replaced and it made a world of difference. Your results may vary, but for the price it is well worth doing.

 

Finished the job yesterday. With the help of all those that posted on this thread, the job was not too bad. So far, the new neutral safety switch works as advertised and the shifter just feels good.
Thanks Everyone!!!!!!!!!!

 

Great news! Congrats!!!

 

Just replaced both of the shift linkage bushings on my 78 SLC. Both were completely missing. At first the job seems impossible with the car one inch over your face, and it's hard to get access and see what you are doing. But then things got going and moved along quickly and I'm glad it's done. Thanks for all the posts with the tips and tricks.

 

Adding to this older thread as it is very excellent regarding replacing these bushings. My question is this. I have the noted slop in shifting into park but can always find it with a bit of fussing and sometimes it just works as expected. Never had a problem with the neutral safety switch not engaging. So given that there is a retaining clip holding the bits together, is there a history of the linkage disconnecting upon bushing failure or is it just going to be sloppy until replaced? (1979 450SL USA) I'll do the replacement at some point but worrying now if I'm risking a breakdown by ignoring the slop.

I ask this now because I recently encountered a similar bushing /grommet failure on my 76 Cadillac Eldorado convertible but was able to do a road side fix to get home. The rod would not stay in the grommet and apparently has no retaining clip, though I added one upon my fix.

 

In all my readings, if not read anyone's linkage getting disconnected. In my case and as in others, the bushing slop gets worse until the NSS starts acting up.

 

Thanks this is extremely helpful. I'll get the parts and hold them for when other lift requiring work is required.

 

It took me about 45 minutes and I didn't have a lift where I was at the time. One of the easier common repairs on the R107.

 

DId you use jack and jack stands? How high did you lift the car and from which side? I've seen other discussions of how difficult it is to access the linkage so this is encouraging. Thanks

 

Jack & stands the whole driver's side, yes. I believe there was the a known caveat of losing a new bushing in there, which did not happen to me, but also I had a small amount of trouble getting my big ole mitten in the cavity to do one of them. I managed it though, and 7yrs later, it's still working well.

 

Gotchya. Thanks again.