Is shifter bushing bad?

[jimmyess333]

OK folks, I've never none anything to a manual trans except change the clutch and change oil.
The internals and the shifter mechanism is still a mystery to me.
My truck is a 2007 with the aluminum duratec 4cyl and a 5 speed manual transmission and 110,000 miles.
I changed the fluid 30,000 miles ago but I doubt the shifter has ever been serviced.
My problem is sometimes when stopped it's hard to get into any gear including reverse.

1. Is there a maintainence(lube) required on these shifers?
2. If not, and it is the bushing, can I simply pull the shifter out and inspect the bushing(s) for visible damage/wear?
3. Is there simply a rebuild kit available if the bushing(s) is bad?
4. Use factory or aftermarket parts?

Thanks for any info.
I tried to do a search for this info but I didn't find anything.

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

It's likely got nothing to do with the shifter at all..... Bad slave cylinders are a very common issue with newer trucks with the M5od(what you have). You would have found that out if you searched "hard to shift". TONS of threads in regards to your symptoms. It's either that or it's the master cylinder, but in my experience, I've gone though 4 slaves before I go through a master. Replacing the slave cyl requires dropping the trans as the slave is inside the trans. Best brand I've used has been Raybestos or Sachs and go locally to get a lifetime warranty on the part. No matter the brand, they're a failtastic french POS design.



In regards to shifter bushings, the symptons of needing rebuilding is a very sloppy shift arm. The rebushing kit is only like $10 and takes no time at all to do. All in-cab.

 

[jimmyess333]

It's likely got nothing to do with the shifter at all..... Bad slave cylinders are a very common issue with newer trucks with the M5od(what you have). You would have found that out if you searched "hard to shift". TONS of threads in regards to your symptoms. It's either that or it's the master cylinder, but in my experience, I've gone though 4 slaves before I go through a master. Replacing the slave cyl requires dropping the trans as the slave is inside the trans. Best brand I've used has been Raybestos or Sachs and go locally to get a lifetime warranty on the part. No matter the brand, they're a failtastic french POS design.



In regards to shifter bushings, the symptons of needing rebuilding is a very sloppy shift arm. The rebushing kit is only like $10 and takes no time at all to do. All in-cab.

Thanks for all the good info.
I may try the master first only because it leaked a few times last year but stopped before I could replace it. I kept an eye on it after that but it seemed ok. Looking at the service manual I should be able to do the slave cyl without too much trouble other than dropping the trans...if it comes to that.

 

[Fx4wannabe01]

Yeah....I hear ya. Typically, colder weather makes the slave and master very moody. Much like the typical woman on her period.............moods always a changin'!! lol. Winter's gonna change her(the truck). But I don't think that's an issue in the greatest state in the union....Texas. lol.