Just completed an overhaul of the shift linkage on my '97 993 C2... installed the FD Golden Rod + SSK, and boy, what a difference it makes!

Prior to this overhaul, I had noticed a vibration in my shifter. Not a "rattle" as I've seen some describe but just a slight vibration in the **** while accelerating, particularly 3500+ rpm. While I didn't install the golden rod and SSK with the intention of it remedying this issue, I figured it was a good starting point and at least eliminated my original worn ball cups, rubber coupling, etc, as a source.

Some details:

• Engine mounts were replaced recently (less than 2k miles ago) with OEM mounts
• Shift rod seal on transmission was weeping, so it was replaced during the Golden Rod install.
• Vibration is not felt in the car/chassis at all (or at least not noticeably so) and it really only felt in the shifter.
• Clutch was replaced about 8k miles ago, engagement is fine, etc.
• Engine and transmission feel great overall — no other standout issues. Aside from the vibration, shifting feels excellent and always has.

Presumably the transmission mount could be to blame here? I haven't gotten a good look at it, but I assume it's the original (my car has 140k miles). Seems like a pain to replace so I'm hoping that's not it..

 

Hi ahendy,
If the transmission mount is the issue the vibration is felt up through the body.
If the flywheel was replaced recently with a stock dual -mass unit it decouples the engine vibration from the transmission vibration, reducing overall body vibration.
The transmission is a source of some vibration that is somewhat isolated from the shift linkage with the stock linkage that has a rubber isolator where the shift linkage rod attaches toi the transmission.
With the goldenrod unit the rubber isolator is replaced with a metal universal joint and so may increase the vibration feel at the shifter.
If you have a concern about vibration, see if you can have another 993 owner drive your car and see if it seems like a normal condition as some vibration always comes up through the shifter.
Best of luck,
Sorting this out,
Andy

 

Any changes in cabin noise? Like when you’re pulling from start through 2nd in a sporty way?

how about handling? Still corners well? Full lock turnaround is smooth & quiet?

these minor issues can be hard to pinpoint. Most likely some bushing somewhere is tired.

 

if you change the trans mount, be wary of aftermarket versions that will increase NVH.

 

Just took it for a drive and am starting to think this is either something internal in the transmission or perhaps an issue with the dual-mass flywheel (which, as far as I can tell, was not replaced when the clutch was done).

The vibration is most noticeable in 1st gear, and has almost a rhythmic "thump" to it, which increases in frequency in subsequent gears but decreases in intensity. So confusingly it seems to be both linked to engine load (only occurring while accelerating) and wheel speed (higher gear, faster vibration frequency)

Transmission issue? Flywheel? CV joints?

 

Ok I think I'm making some progress here... I just sat in the car with it idling and I heard a very faint rattle coming from the center of the car.. sounded like marbles in a tin can.. but very very faint. Then, upon turning off the engine, I heard that rattle louder and come to a stop.

Seems like this indicates a possible DMF failure, yeah?