One of the critical parts of any car is a gear shifter. This will encourage you to turn from one gear to another as the name suggests. If it is harmed, then the performance is impacted.
You’ll be having a rough time regulating the car’s speed. That said, any issue needs to be resolved as quickly as possible so as not to escalate.
Some of the most popular problems with a column shifter, among others, is that it’s loose. This is one common thing, especially if you already have an old car. The column shifter loosens over time due to over pressure and movement.
More often than not, a quick tightening of the bolts will suffice to deal with the problem. Below are the easy steps that you have to follow on How to fix a loose column shifter?
How to Fix a Loose Gear Shifter Automatic?
When a gear shifter is losing it becomes difficult to fix it. The lower gear shifter bushing would need to be removed to remove the gear shifter looseness.
The gear shifter underneath the gear shifter console is connected to the transmission linkage. Generally speaking, most of the gear shifters will get loose due to excessive gear shifting from the gear shifter.
Changing the gear vigorously will inflict harm to the bushing at the bottom of the shifter lever. This will cause slackness in the gear shifter once the bushing is damaged. Move the gear shifter even without throwing it into gear.
Step 1. Diagnosis of troublesome source:
You should realize at this stage that the column shifter’s loose. It isn’t as sensitive to the controls anymore and can even create a strange echo.
You can know the question but the root of the issue is not yet clear to you. The first thing you need to do is test the root and from here, you will decide how to fix it.
You have to open the hood first. To make it smoother, ask someone for assistance shifting the column shifter when you are watching the engine.
Look for the movable portion. If it’s absolutely well, which means that no component seems to be loose, move to the next location you need to test.
You can easily find the problem if you look closely at the bottom of the steering wheel. You don’t have to take any part to make sure where the problem came from. Only check to make sure this is where the issue comes from.
Look for and track the brake lever all the way forward, which will place your hand on the steering wheel. Shift the steering wheel so you can see the component is going forward.
Look at the portion which touches the gear lever, the bolts in particular. They are likely to lose. If they are, you realize at this stage that this is the source of the problem and all you have to do is tighten it up for fast and simple repair.
Step 2. Remove nuts and bolts:
When they’re loose and wiggling, simply remove the bolts in the spot is what you need to do. You would require a torque screwdriver to do so, the size of which depends on the car you are in. Remove the bolts one by one, then go to the next stage to connect them.
With a 1/4-inch drive ratchet, a metric socket, and a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the bolts and nuts which secure the center console around the gear shifter. This would open the boot to leather.
To allow space for the rubber boot to be pulled over the gear shifter, remove any carpet as required.
Step 3. Using Thread Locker:
Now that the bolts have been extracted, add thread locker. This should keep the bolt close and stable given the enduring vibrations. Under this the bolts will gradually become loose again.
Step 4. Turn the gear shifter knob:
Switch the gear shifter knob counterclockwise to detach the gear shifter from the top. Pull the plastic boot over the gear shifter and drop it on the board.
Step 5. Remove the gear shifter retaining ring:
Replace the retaining ring of the gear shifter with pliers. When the retaining ring is cut, the gear shifter lever can now be pushed straight up into the console door. Inspect the bushing at the lower end of the gear shifter lever on the pivoting section. Eliminate all the affected bushing with the pliers from the bottom of the gear shifter handle.
Step 6. Put back the Bolts:
Now, keep the bolt up in place. Using torque screwdriver to lock it. Check the column shifter and it shouldn’t be wobbly any more at this stage. Make sure the bolts are secure enough and no longer wiggle.
Some have necessity TIPS below:
We’ll discuss some tips about your column shifter in this segment. Here are some of the main items you need to keep in mind:
In nearly many car parts shops will be found bushing for the gear shifter lever. Do not aggressively change the gear shifter to avoid looseness and slackness within the gear shift.
Be careful about changing positions.
Very definitely, all of us are accused of exerting so much energy while moving, as if we’re just nuts. If you practice so regularly, there’s a better risk you’ll wind up with a loose column shifter.
Avoid over-clogging the bolts.
You should make sure it is secure enough so it won’t be wobbly. On the other side, if it’s too close it won’t move anymore and you’ll find it difficult to move from one gear to the next.
In certain cases, locking the bolt doesn’t suffice. This is especially true if the issue is not just over the brake pads anymore. Column shifter itself may be the problem.
You would need to buy a new column-shifter in this situation. The installation can be very difficult, so it is best to ask a professional for help.
Conclusion Words:
Lastly, I say that there is one point that is obvious from the discussions above on how to repair a loose column shifter-it is rather a simple and clear job.
You do need a few supplies, and a touch of courage. You should be willing to save a ton because you don’t need to hire a contractor to do the work for you anymore.