Shift linkages- should they be greased/lubricated?

[eldusto84]

I am going to (finally) replace my original and completely rotted rubber bushings for the 5spd shift linkage. My question is...should they be lubricated at all? The linkages were all dry when I took them off, except for the final linkage closest to the transmission case. I would think that keeping them dry would just wear the bushings out again, right?

[jawn101]

Do you still have the plastic inner half-bushings? I think those would help reduce the friction. I wouldn't want to grease anything rubber unless you're sure to be using a rubber safe lubricant. On my car the bushings were just dry rotted horribly. I greased the main pivot bolt on the bellcrank, and the whole shifter mechanism (the bit with the handle) but not any of those bolts with rubber bushings. It's smooth as butter now.

For what that's worth. If a guru has other input I'm happy to learn :)

[eldusto84]

Do you still have the plastic inner half-bushings? I think those would help reduce the friction. I wouldn't want to grease anything rubber unless you're sure to be using a rubber safe lubricant. On my car the bushings were just dry rotted horribly. I greased the main pivot bolt on the bellcrank, and the whole shifter mechanism (the bit with the handle) but not any of those bolts with rubber bushings. It's smooth as butter now.

For what that's worth. If a guru has other input I'm happy to learn :)

Yep, I still have the plastic sleeves. I will just go ahead and grease the main pivot bolt only (I actually ordered a new bolt since the old one was slightly warped). Thanks!

[jawn101]

Yep, I still have the plastic sleeves. I will just go ahead and grease the main pivot bolt only (I actually ordered a new bolt since the old one was slightly warped). Thanks!

Right on. Be sure to adjust your crossgate cable and linkage rods accordingly. If your bushings were rotted out all the slop in the shifter over the years may have shaken things around. Plus the extra thickness of nice new bushings may change the alignment of things a little. It's amazing the difference a properly adjusted mechanism can make in the shifter. Mine feels like the bolt of a gun snapping in and out of gears now. Some of that is the freshly rebuilt transmission too, but there's no slop or play in the shifter at all.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I used synthetic grease on plastic and rubber bushings.

[David T]

Silicone spray and/or a product called Sil-Glyde. It won't cause the rubber to deteriorate. Try not to use any petroleum based oils, greases or sprays. A properly done shift linkage SHOULD feel tight and positive. There should be no looseness or play or slop.
David Teitelbaum