Bushings for shift linkage

[Feather535]

I'm back working on the 280 SE after a couple months on other projects.  Today's issue is sloppy shift linkage.  Engaging any gear or park involves a bit of trial and error, so I guessed something in the linkage must be broken or out of adjustment. Sure enough, the rod with the threaded connection in the middle that connects the bottom end of the shift lever with the lever on the transmission looks like it should have bushings at each end, but they are completely missing, causing significant play in the linkage. 

Does anyone have part numbers for these bushings?  My usual parts supplier lists several shift linkage bushings https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/2332/MBZ_2332_TRAUTO_pg4_linkage-and-cables.htm, I'm guessing the correct ones are the ones that go with the clips, but it's hard to be sure since they are missing from the car.  Are there other bushings to replace while I'm in there?

 

[revilla]

Hi,
The one coupled with the metal clips yes. There are the bushings at the lever itself. Highly probable they are gone in small pieces after almost 50 years.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S96u0YsJWdg&pp=ygUbS2VudCBiZXJnc21hIGJ1c2hpbmdzIGxldmVy

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vKzCk8YepDU&pp=ygUbS2VudCBiZXJnc21hIGJ1c2hpbmdzIGxldmVy

[UTn_boy]

115-992-03-10. 

Bear in mind that the 4 bushings in the shifter housing may also be gone/crumbled away.  Most people overlook this important part of the shifting linkage.  The two larger ones are 115-267-12-50, and the two smaller ones are 115-267-09-50. 

[nathan]

Hi Feather,

there's my video with part numbers and how I did it on the 6.9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gofVgnDkXCA

not a difficult job and maybe an hour or two. the main nuisance is the lower one and a tool for that helps, I just bought it off ebay.
the parts themselves amount to very little cost wise.

good luck
Nathan

[Feather535]

Thanks everyone.  I'll replace the two missing ones in the tunnel first and then look at the ones in the shifter housing.

[Feather535]

Replaced the two bushings in the shift linkage under the car yesterday.  What a difference!  No more hunting for Drive, Reverse and Neutral positions, and when the indicator shows it's in Park, it really is.

I can recommend the special tool for from mercedessource.com.  It's clearly homemade and not inexpensive for what it is, but it makes the job a snap.  Replacing both bushings took me about 15 minutes, at most. 

[daantjie]

You can find that tool on ebay as well. Not sure if ol' Kent was first on that tool but for sure you can buy knock offs of it:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/261302466500?itmmeta=01HRJKM87F9DA7TGMGWGS1EDP6&hash=item3cd6d737c4:g:0K8AAOxyGqZSUu6N&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0G34OGOZ%2FxW2Hh9TX%2FTNyDaiZ51ySpO%2Fr9mg6YdWJV4fM1V4jVf52TXfTyo2lh4cH3WbDQfNPiyfxjFg45P2DLjEQoZxjI%2BJEMraCJSiZj%2BNfhTniqkRbaBLQZwvEjal%2FgvlggnFtF8rs2YTiRf1S4%2Bao6Rlr%2F8NEjb2Zn%2Fw5iK52I057h%2FDvNCPY%2BTQf6t6Wd%2BDUtHH%2B3vmRif%2BZOw%2FrVp7XcyKHMNKTkxBjSdfAQpd6YnC6ZeXVFTMsQFN1GbquKFO60M93HgwlBTI1xI3zbg%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-qD0dPEYw