Crunky

Clarks-Garage calls it the shift linkage rod protective tube; its the tube that covers the shifter rod, where it runs through the tranny bellhousing. Is it a critical part? I forgot to put it back in when I put the tranny back in the car today
Hopefully I will be able to slide it in without taking the tranny back out. Guess we'll find out tomorrow morning...

jbrill

pretty sure u need to remove the tranny again....

KY944S

Yup. That tube has small tabs on it that prevent it from sliding around or out, they also prevent you from puting it in from the outside.
I cant figure out what it protects the rod from. Maybe it prevents the rod from rubbing the housings?

special tool

That is the first thing I throw away.
You don't need it.

Crunky

Whew, I was worried there for awhile, thanks

JayP

I did the same thing- said screwit. But i don't drive my car that often though.

Crunky

I guess the worst thing that can happen is the rod will rattle against the bellhousing. 1 more annoying rattle isn't going to kill me.

schwank

You could always get some rubber trim edging and put it around the hole... way easier than that stupid plastic tube. That thing sucks.

cruise98

The tube keeps dirt/bugs/crap out of the bellhousing area of the transaxle. I know several people that leave it out, but I personally keep putting them back in.

Mike C.

I would only worry about it if you drive your car in winter (snow/salt). It would suck if the drive shaft coupler rusts to the driveshaft/trans input shaft.

joonas

I used there flexible plastic tube (the ones that are used to protect electricity cables). Because it is flexible it is possible to put it in there without removing the transmission.
I would not want the torque tube to transmission connection to rust out.

M758

Not a big deal, but it does help keep things clean. Just replace it when you do the clutch.

JayP

I've had my old transmission in the weather for 7-8 months now- it looks as good as when I pulled it from the car. No rust, corrosion, no blech. I suppose it's due to that thin layer of oil from the 2 drips a day leak I have.

iamgod

that thing was a PITA to reinstall...i hate you tube thingy

Crunky

Haha, yes I am planning on doing that. I'm starting to tear it back apart today