My 944 is my first manual transmission car. I have a quick question. How much play should there be in the gear shift level when in gear? Should the level be able to be jiggled back and forth, and, if so, how far should it travel? I've always thought that there should be none at all, but my car has plenty of travel in the level to the left and right while in gear, I'd say at least an inch, maybe two. Car shifts fine, clutch is good (new install). Just lots of play in the level. Is this normal? Thanks!

 

There should be very little slop in the shifter. Its likely the shift rod on your car is worn out, which is a common problem. New shift rods are about $50 new and fairly easy to replace.

 

To get the terminology down, the shift rod is the long bar that travels down the torque tube from the shift level to the transmission, correct?

 

Exit, I would say you are correct there. I would also say that it is 10 times more likely that your shift lever istself is worn, and the "rod" can be saved. What I refer to as the shift lever is the cad plated part that the gear shift (handle) slides down over. To make an inspection, pop the bottom of the leather boot out of the console, remove the clip from the gear shift, and slide off the shifter. Now look at where the shift lever's "pin" interfaces with the shift rod. You will probably see that at least 75% of your play is happening right there. I believe there is a write up somewhere regarding boring out the shift rod, and installing hard plastic bushings. My friends and I refer to 944's with this affliction as having the "mystery shift" option
Good luck!

 

I meant **** lever. My mistake. Its the portion that you are physically moving to shift gears.

 

If I remember correctly there was a thread some time ago about a bolt you can tighten underneth the car that gets loose sometime that creates that sort of play in the shifter. Also if i remember correctly, the thread had some pictures and when that bolt was tightened the problem was fixed. If anyone else remember this chim in because I am not 100% sure

-Keith

 

I found the sloppy shifter thread and it's been helpful. I just don't know what's "normal" since this is my first manual. I know that the rubber vibration dampeners that ring the lever are damaged and that my shift **** is beat up so it's possibly my level's pin is worn down. I had the lever apart to change the rear seal on the engine not long ago and it felt like most of the play was coming from the ball joint at the bottom of the lever though, actually rotating left and right at that point rather than at the pin. I could be wrong though. I'll have to open it up again shortly.

 

All my 944s have had quite a bit of play at the shifter, but go into gear decisively. These are cars ranging from 63k mi to almost 300k mi. The problem is in the design. If your transmission was right behind the engine, like on most cars, there would be a more direct relationship. Then you wouldn't have the great balance these cars are known for, however. Also- it seems that after doing a clutch job and tearing up the foam piece spinning the torque tube and moving the shift rod forward, the lever has more play because the foam is not supporting the shift rod anymore.

 

If you have play at the joint at the bottom of the shift lever, it is probably the (plastic IIRC) socket that the ball fits in.

 

I should have a used lever if you are looking for a new unit to give a try

-Keith

 

How much have you been drinking, exactly?

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I think i'll sit on this problem and do some more reading, and then make a decision on what i need to do

 

pull the leather boot off of the shifter- just pulls off around the sides then theres a clip that holds the handle on- move it back and forth and see how much play is just between the shifter and the linkage- usually they are worn out there.