I have a vibration that is coming from inside the shifter. The Porsche dealer said the only real solution they know is a new shifter which is not cheap. Has anyone had this problem and solved it without replacing the shifter?
Peter

Have you inspected the shifter bushings? Perhaps some are worn and need to be replaced.

No way should you need to replace the linkage.

Chect the engine and transmission mounts. Check the alignment of the engine relative to the shift linkage. Check the coupler that links the shift rod inside the transmission to the shift linkage. If all else fails, remove the coupler and reinstall it.

I have never done any transmission work. Is the coupler assessable from inside the car through the boot or do I need to get the car on a lift?
Thanks
Peter

What some dealers will say...

Very easy to check and parts to repair are cheap...

Shift linkage...

You access the shifter from underneath. Some of the bushings on my coupe were worn, I changed them using a floor jack and jack stands. A lift is not required but it would be convenient.

I recently replaced my shift sleeves. (Part #26 in the diagram above). I didn't have vibration problems, instead my shifter dropped down about an inch.

Here are some pictures of what you'll see underneath the car:
http://picasaweb.google.com/udoreisi...gShiftSleeves#

Great pictures and diagram, Thanks to you all. I guess i am going down under this weekend for a look.
Peter

Parts 15 and 16 in the diagram have a white nylon-type cup in them that the attaching linkage snaps into. When these parts are worn, the shifter will feel sloppy, or the linkage will come apart and you'll lose all shift control.

The shifter can't cause a vibration. It can only transmit vibration from the trans/engine. Feeling vibration through the linkage indicates to me that it is still tight enough to transmit the vibration.

First 911 I bought, the experienced PPI mechanic took me on the test drive with him. One of his "checks" was to hold the shifter to the side as he shifted through the gears on aggressive acceleration, in order to check the smoothness of the trans/engine. He had me take the gearshift as he accelerated through one gear to feel it formyself as there was a rough spot at one narrow rev range.

Whenever I've had something wrong, I could really get a better sense of it by using this technique. My hands are much more sensitive than my fat butt in a padded seat.

If the mounts have gone, I think you would have noticed it without even touching the gearshift.

IMHO, there may be a problem in the trans or engine causing an out of balance vibration that you're feeling. Good luck on sorting it out and please keep us posted.

Ok, I need to do a better job describing what is happening so maybe that will help with a diagnosis.

It is less a vibration than an audible buzzing noise coming from the stick shifter when accelerating. Especially in a hard acceleration. The noise goes away in 5th when not asking for power. I can also make the noise go away if i put even a very small amount of pressure on the stick shift in any direction.

Of course I forgot to describe the "noise." The sound would be like taking a vibrating toothbrush (like a Sonicare) and touching it to a metal faucet. Hope that helps.
Again, Thanks
Peter

ohh... that is a better description.

First check to see that it is not related to a bush branch stuck under the car, or a nut shell stuck between the calipers.... anyway, you get the idea, check that it is not realted to a non-mechanical part... then:

I would check the CV joints (for wear and grease) and
Change the transmission oil. Place a filter element to catch anything (metal pieces) that fall with the oil so you can inspect them later

My 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon had a buzz coming from the shifter mechanism when the car was brand new. The buzz happened mostly in 3rd gear and went away as soon as I touched the shifter.

The dealer "fixed" it by sticking some heavy grease somewhere in the mechanism which damped the vibration. They said the noise would probably return but it never did.

"I would check the CV joints" CV joint problems are lower frequency than a "Sonicare" .
"40,000 strokes per minute"

"Change the transmission oil."
Are you thinking a bad bearing ?

Does the buzz change on different road surfaces ?

The buzz is always the same. The shifting is tight, solid and feels normal