Re: 3-speed gear shift handle vibration

Posted by HH56 On 2014/1/17 14:39:44

When you do your checks, pay particular attention to the mounting areas. If the lever is physically moving up and down and is not just a case of rough roads causing the movement, I would look very carefully at the motor mounts and linkage pieces. If it is predominately in second it would seem it might be speed related. Perhaps something is setting up a resonance.

Moving the lever up and down would seem to indicate the linkage or trans assy is moving in relation to the fixed steering column. There could also be a lot of slop somewhere in the various bushings preventing a tight connection and letting the lever "flop" at a resonance point.

The engine/trans moving forward or back in relation to the idler assy attached to the frame, could cause the issue. I believe the end of the idler is also attached at one end to the engine assy. If so, the engine rocking slightly would also cause the lever to move since that rocking would push vertically in relation to column. A loose or broken engine mount as well as the vulcanized rubber separating from the metal could all cause the issue. If the bracket holding the idler assy to frame is loose, that could cause the problem. If any of the bushings at any rod/lever connection are rubber isolated, perhaps a chunk has fallen out.

There was an issue on earlier trans where the detent/interlock assy mounting block became loose in the case. That looseness -- or if a detent is worn -- could cause some play in the long rods. The looseness problem was addressed with a larger bolt but since it is the same trans, it might be worth checking the tightness.. To do that you would disconnect both shift rods at the trans and then move the shift levers by hand. If they move easily or have any play at all, tightness would be suspect. If a lever is not somewhat hard to move into gear and not firmly held by the detent when in gear, wear or a broken spring in the detent might be an issue.