Need Some Advice About Hard Shifting 986 Gearbox!

[rfuerst911sc]

When you go to do the transmission hydraulic oil change make sure you remove the FILL plug first then the drain plug . That saves you the headache of having an empty trans with no way to fill it . And of the choices you have available I would go with the Castrol as long as it has the proper rating .

[Qckslvr]

Congrats on the purchase. I installed a name brand short shifter into my Boxster about 2 weeks after buying it. It was slightly harder to shift, but the quick fix to that was a fresh oil change. I filled my gear box with Redline 75w90 full synthetic with Redline friction modifier. Transmission shift like butter now

[Tommy2]

Here are some pics. Will do an oil service this weekend, just waiting on the 3 square tool!

[Boxstard]

Nice factory short-shifter! How about taking it apart and lube white bushings and adjust the end nut to ensure little bit of but not too tight end-play that may affect side-to-side action?

[Tommy2]

Yeah, I foolishly assumed it was a cheap unit from my secret peak at it during the initial inspection.

Disconnect the cables it it's like butter with not slop or play. I'm betting this gearbox oil change it going to make the difference....that and a cable adjustment (but I don't have the alignment tool). Will do my best with what I have.

[Tommy2]

Any other guesses before the reveal?

Turns out it was a combination of several things.
1. Gearbox way, way, way overfull. Pulled the fill plug on the side and it was a gusher!
2. Cables probably out of alignment,
3. Factory short shift out of adjustment, loose, lots of play

Action taken
1. Drained and re-filled gearbox with fresh, good quality oil to the spec of 2.25 l
2. Adjusted cables best I could.
3. Removed shifter assembly, cleaned, adjusted, re-installed

Results
Much, much, much better. Feels firm, not tight and I don't need to force the shifts. Before it took a great deal of force to engage all gears. Still feels a bit notchy but maybe that is just the nature of the short shifter. It's so much better that I can live with that.

Thank you all for your input and advice!!

[dghii]

Excellent news! Cheap fix and you can move on to enjoying your car!