2nd and 3rd feels loose

[peterf]

I replaced the two shifter bushings and the coupler on my 1970 911 today because the transmission always felt a bit loose.

Now there is is virtually no play when the transmission is in reverse, 1st, 4th or 5th. It is nice and tight. Great.
However when I shift the transmission into either 2nd or 3rd, the end of the lever suddenly exhibits ~1 1/2 inch play to the left and right. That is clearly coming from the transmission itself. Not the linkage. I double checked.
Does that mean it is time for a rebuild soon? Other than that it still works and shifts fine. I just need to spend some more time fine-tuning the coupler adjustment.

Thanks
Peter

[911quest]

Probably the shift rod bushing.... you replaced the coupler bushings.

[peterf]

Probably the shift rod bushing.... you replaced the coupler bushings.

sorry, I should have worded that better. I replaced the two bushings in the front (ball cup + shift rod) as well as the coupler bushings.

i can twist the coupler itself quite a bit when the transmission is in 2nd or 3rd gear. maybe 15° or more. not sure if that is normal but that is causing that slack at the shifter. there is zero slop at the lever when I hold the coupler in place.

[jpnovak]

This is pretty common when the internal shift fork is worn. It could also be a worn shift selector. Not much you can do about it other than tear it down and replace the shift fork.

The reason you do not feel it in the other gears is the angle of the shift selector in the transmission. They wedge against the shift fork guide and take up play.

[peterf]

This is pretty common when the internal shift fork is worn. It could also be a worn shift selector. Not much you can do about it other than tear it down and replace the shift fork.

The reason you do not feel it in the other gears is the angle of the shift selector in the transmission. They wedge against the shift fork guide and take up play.

thank you for the explanation. I will just leave it as it is until the transmission really needs a rebuild.

I'm going to change the transmission oil tomorrow because I have no idea what the PO put in there. Swepco is not available where I live so I will use Shell Spirax MB 90 which is what all the local porsche guys recommend.