Short Shift Kit - Rattle

ZenArcher · Postby **ZenArcher** » Mon May 08, 2006 3:29 pm

Just wondering if all short shift kits rattle or not?

Installed one and it rattles. Not loud but it is there. In fifth it is a very very quiet rattle. But in the lower gears when accelerating hard it is there. Not overbearing but it is there.

What causes it and is it possible to adjust something to get rid of the noise or not. Is it just manufacturing tolerances? or do I need to re-tighten everything?

Postby **Okibi** » Mon May 08, 2006 3:46 pm

Do you have oil in the shift turret? (bit where the shift bush and stick connects to the gear box)

Dunksy · Postby **Dunksy** » Mon May 08, 2006 3:56 pm

alot of aftermarket gear knobs cause this i've been through 5 anything you have to tighten or use allen key screws come loose

ZenArcher · Postby **ZenArcher** » Mon May 08, 2006 4:09 pm

Yes I have oil in the turret - new oil. I was thinking that maybe I should put some quality grease around the ball? and the bushes.

FUN-29T · Postby **FUN-29T** » Mon May 08, 2006 5:45 pm

ahhh... i've come across this problem after installing one into an R34.... try a different gearknob.... it may reduce the sound..

lowmiata · Postby **lowmiata** » Mon May 08, 2006 6:28 pm

Simple problem simple answer

just increase the spring rate :mrgreen:

ie add another spring washer

2 or so bucks from mazda and they usually have them on the shelf

prob find a part number later tonight

but its a round washer 38mm overall diameter and bout 33 inside
and you just put it on top of the insert under the turret extension and it solves all problems!!

presuming its a short shifter kit that you describe and not just an aftermarket gear knob?

ZenArcher · Postby **ZenArcher** » Mon May 08, 2006 7:03 pm

Thanks lowmiata, yes it is a short shift kit and not a shift knob.

But problem has now been solved.

I took the gear knob off and then re-tightened it (has 3 allen key grub screws) much tighter than it was before and \"hey preseto\" no rattle sound now. Pure silence just like standard. Only it is more fun with the much shorter gear change, albeit slightly stiffer action.

Thanks everyone

JSE · Postby **JSE** » Tue May 09, 2006 3:58 pm

Zenarcher...my short shifter does the same...only when i put my foot down and it hits above 3grand a hardcore rattle. I was going to take a look and add a washer/spring rate but I think it sounds mean and muscley so I left it!

ZenArcher · Postby **ZenArcher** » Tue May 09, 2006 6:50 pm

Actually, I found the real cause today when I was driving around. The rattle came back and so I thought, the grub screws on my gear knob had come loose again. But then I noticed what it was. The gear stick itself is two piece. A top and a bottom. So when I changed gears (I assume this was the cause) the leather gear knob gripped my hand and slightly loosened the two pieces of the gear stick. When I stopped at a stop lights I lightlly tightened the gear stick and no rattle. I must admit I only hand tightened it in the first place. So tonight I will take it off again and put in some thread tape or thread lock this time and tighten it up much tighter.

JSE. - yeah, I gotta agree there, it does sound rather mean and I didn't mind it either, but just preffered it not to be there for long distance cruising.