The gear shift arm in my 1986 911 swings from side to side. It is a new car for me and I find this annoying and not a bit helpfull learning to shift smooth. Is this normal? Does something need tightening?
Rob

 

probably just need a new set of bushings for the joinder. easy DIY job: 1 hour, $50 of bushings. no big deal.
happy driving

 

Actually, let me be more specific. You need to find the little 5X6 inch "door" directly behind the front seats in the middle, unscrew the top and open it up. There you will probably see a coupler with worn bushings. You can either take it out and replace the bushings ($20 part), or replace the whole coupler ($75 part). For the trouble involved, I'd go ahead and replace the whole thing. Easy easy job. See following link for the part description, picture, and installation instructions
<a href="http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/por_911M_pedals_main.htm" target="_blank">http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911M/por_911M_pedals_main.htm</a>

 

With the access cover removed, observe the shift tube going into the transaxle while you move the shift lever. If the lever moves and the shift tube doesn't, the bushings are worn. There are bushings in the shift coupler (below the access cover) and a couple of more under the shift housing itself.

......or, since this is a new ride, you may not be familiar with the shift characteristics of the 915 trans. and this shift lever movement might be normal. If so, and you want to tighten up the lever, get some add'l feedback as to what gear you're in and/or avoid those 5-2 or 4-1 downshifts, look at this product I sell (full disclosure).

<a href="http://www.seinesystems.com" target="_blank">http://www.seinesystems.com</a>

Regards,
Sherwood Lee
<a href="http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars" target="_blank">http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars</a>