strange shifter issues

[geezerstiva]

ok, my shifter has been very loose since i got it. i have just now gotten around to trying to fix it. :lol: the problem is that if you put it in any gear, it will move from side to side just like it will in neutral. no hard shifting, drives great, just this weird thing. i'm guessing its just a linkage that has worn or some little thing like that, but i really don't want to be driving down the road and have it fall off! :lol: :lol:

[mechanicaldj]

check the stablizer bar bushing , the one from the shifter assembly to the transmission, on the transmission

[mattswabb]

So far 2 of my festivas needed the bushing on the shifter. I just made them at work and the shifters are now tight.

[htchbck]

mine's kinda loose, but not near as bad as my buddy's integra, even though my festiva has 180K and the integra has a brand new tranny and bushings...

[5.0zone]

Most likely the shifter bushings are worn out.
There are 2 at the base of the shifter (these are usually the first to go)
There are 4 at the transmission end. Two of them can be replaced easily.
The other 2 (if worn to the point of needing replacing) are a little more difficult. This pin is stamped so you will have to saw the pin in two.
You will have to replace it with a bolt and lock nut or use 2 nuts because you can't just tighten the bolt too tight. Also the holes at each end of the pin are different sizes. I drilled the smaller one out to match the larger.
Its been a while since I've had to buy any, but you used to be able to get them from Ford for a couple of bucks.