Questions and Answers
Loose Escort Shifter
Q. Vince: I own a 1992 Ford Escort, front wheel drive, manual transmission. The shifter is extremely loose; even when placed in gear, the shifter can be moved about 4" to 5" in a diameter around the given gear position. At first, I thought that maybe there would be worn bushings involved, but the Ford dealer states that bushings are not involved.
However, they would not divulge any further details! Any ideas as to what needs replaced or adjusted to correct this ailment?
Victor
A. Well, whoever you talked to at the Ford Dealer told you wrong. There are bushings in the shift linkage that can, and do, wear out.
I would start by looking under the car. Start where the shifter goes through the floor and track it forward while someone moves the shifter around. It should be fairly obvious where the weakest link is.
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