SPT short throw and bushings - loose/sloppy in gear?

[5oclockfriday]

Hey guys, I just got the SPT short throw and bushing installed on my 2011 WRX. Now the shifter has a lot of play and side to side movement in all gears. Is that normal? It doesn't seem right, but I'm not savvy about much anything with cars.

Here's what happens: ‪2011 WRX SPT short throw‬‏ - YouTube

Thanks in advance for any help.

Eric B.

[rage-wrx]

You had it installed or you did it yourself?

[5oclockfriday]

Had it installed at dealership where I bought the car. In hindsight I should have asked them before driving off with it, but I was excited to try it out and it didn't really sink in until a day later. Thanks.

[rage-wrx]

That does not look right.I don't have the SPT shifter.I have the kartboy shifter & bushings & its nothing like that,very firm.

I think you should take it back.Maybe they didn't torque something to spec.My guess would be that its the either the lever pivot or the shifter U-joint.Since th SPT shifter comes with the linkages they would have taken the entire assembly apart.

If you look in the thread in my sig,post No 3., you can see what I'm talking about are the parts where bushings A & C would go.

[mangostick]

yeah that is NOT right.. my factory equipment standard shifter in my '10 was tighter than that.. .. much tighter.

I'd take it back and show that to the service manager.

[mudferret]

If you have ramps or a jack and stands I'd inspect the shifter linkage under your car. Take a look at the shifter pivot, and the shifter stay (a.k.a rear shifter bushing). Based on the degree of side to side movement there's a good chance the linkage isn't seated in the stay. Remove the boot/surround as well.

Wouldn't want to lose the ability to shift gears on the way back to the dealership. You would likely have a 100% chance of fixing it yourself but I'd take it back regardless since you paid them to do the job right.

[KronosPerformance]

If you have ramps or a jack and stands I'd inspect the shifter linkage under your car. Take a look at the shifter pivot, and the shifter stay (a.k.a rear shifter bushing). Based on the degree of side to side movement there's a good chance the linkage isn't seated in the stay. Remove the boot/surround as well.

Wouldn't want to lose the ability to shift gears on the way back to the dealership. You would likely have a 100% chance of fixing it yourself but I'd take it back regardless since you paid them to do the job right.

I was thinking the same thing, the rear shifter bushing may need to be replaced to reduce the side to side play that is known to occur.

[5oclockfriday]

Thanks for your help guys. I called the dealer and they said that definitely isn't the correct behavior. They couldn't get me in until tomorrow, so I'm taking it in then. They didn't think it would be a problem driving today and tomorrow, but I'm still a bit nervous.

Lesson learned: take time to check anything installed at the dealer, and trust my judgment. Also, investing in some ramps might be a good bet, and getting more familiar with the car!

- Eric

[rage-wrx]

Also, investing in some ramps might be a good bet, and getting more familiar with the car!

good idea Just ask the dealer exactly what the issue was.