deliriousga

I replaced the torque tube in the '87 S4 and now I'm trying to put it all back together again. My problem is getting the small, pointed screw that connects the shift coupler to the trnsmission will not go in. I had my daughter slowly shift it through the gears while I pushed the screw down trying to find the hole, but no luck.

Is there a trick to getting this to line up? It's all I have to do before putting the exhaust back on and getting her back on the road.

TIA!

Mike Frye

That conical screw is a PITA!!!

If your '87 linkage is the same as the '85...
First remove the 13mm bolt from the collar where it goes onto the front part of the shift linkage and put the coupler on the tranny shaft and locate the hole and put the conical in it. Then you have to put the front part of the linkage back into the coupling and line it up so that it's in a comfortable position front-back and side-side, tighten 13mm bolt.

I think it would be difficult to do this with the coupling attached to the linkage.

Mrmerlin

have a helper hold the shifter centered with the trans in neutral, while you tighten the clamp bolt
Make sure to test to see if you have enough throw to get all the gears

Tails

Don't torget to ensure that the safety isolating switch ( for starting in N or P) is connected correctly to the shifter arm. If it not in the correct position and located correctly you can break the switch control lever when you move the gear selection lever and you will have to renew the whole switch. Refer to the WSM for correct assembly and settings. Expensive- been there done that.
Tails 1990 928S4 Auto

Sailmed

Just did this in a friends driveway...
It is real easy for one person to do - hook the end up with the conical screw FIRST!
Then - and only then... I shifted the tranny into 5th - slid the coupler just barely on and then went up and put the gear shift into what I thought was 5th....
If you try for reverse or 1st the "gate" springs will kick it back over...
The '85 Euro shifts like a dream now
Of course YMMV
Now if your lucky and have two people its a different ball game - find neutral and experiment - but still - do the tranny end first!

Lizard928

Pop the coupler off and verify that the dent in the shaft is on the same side as the pin for the coupler, then just push it on so that you THINK it is close to the right position and then thread in the bolt and it will center itself if you are even close.

deliriousga

Thanks for all of the help folks. I'll be working on it this weekend then she's back on the road for the first time in 2 years.

Rob Edwards

The 'dent' in the selector shaft should be on the driver's side.