How to replace gear shift bushes
 

Hi , has anyone replaced the bushes in a BA 97 astina? Some pointers would be greatly appreciated, Thanx

I just jack the car up from one side [usually the left], then drop the front portion of the exhaust heatshield so that I can get to the bushes on the bottom of the shifter. And the front 2 serviceable bushes are quite easy to get to. Ford bushes are much better than Mazda bushes too!

If you are really keen, you can grind off the captive bolt on knuckle off the back of the gearbox and replace those 2 bushings as well with a new bolt & nut. There is a really good kit put out by Q Ford at Springwood in QLD. They offer this kit on eBay for a reasonable price.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/GENUINE-FORD-...item27ae7f9415

Gav.

Thanks mate, that's exactly where I got the kit from actually!! much appreciated will give it a go this arvo!!

hey chicaboo, Thanks for the info mate!! It worked a treat, there was next to no bushes left and the stiffness now is unbelieveable!!:D

Oh, that's good news. Did you grind off the old captive bolt? When I ground mine out, the bushings in there had turned into aeroplane jelly crystals and just crumbled out! :eek: I'm going to do this to my Nissan Pulsar soon too. :D

Gav.

I was going to replace it! but the bolt in the kit seemed to look like it was too long so I left it! the result from the two i did was stiil more than I was anticipating!! Cheers Mate

Yeah, it's not too long, you just need to face the nut away from the subframe so it doesn't get caught on it when you change gear. I think that's why they use the captive bolt - due to lack of space. But it works fine on my Laser. :)

Gav.

Just bought these bushes and replaced the one directly underneath the gear stick but can't seem to find the other 2. Maybe found the that needs to be ground off but it is behind the brace between the two bottom suspension arms. Any help (or pics) would be greatly appreciated.

Just follow the shift linkage from the 2 you replaced, back to the gearbox, and there you will find the other 4.

Yeah that is the ones I thought they were. Might be easier to take it out and then grind out one while replacing the other. Oh well will have to wait for the next day off me thinks.

Yeah, you will have to take the whole arm out to grind off that captive bolt anyhow.

I have the Same reacuuring Problem...?
 

Yes Hello i have a 95 model Astina,
Sounds like same problem as alot of others on here, The gearstick was doing big loose circles this was with it in gear also,tho i had kept driving it..
And sure enough i now can Not put it into any gear what so ever...:mad:
As i put it into gear i heard a piece of metal ping underneath like a plate or something,and now it's stuck on freinds front lawn..Im in Perth i saw 1 bloke saying the kia bushers are the best ? And under here i seen that there's a set you can get on ebay..
Personally i dont know much about cars or what im doing..
WHO CAN DIRECT ME TO THE RIGHT PARTS -OR ATLEAST IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION..
THANKYOU..