Choreo

I have seen several posts lately regarding A4 Transmission Cables failing. My question is, for those of you that have experienced this problem, where did the failure occur... at the shifter connection, the transmission connection or did the cable itself break?

If yours failed, also curious what year C5 and mileage.

CactusCat

98 Coupe, failed at 125,000 miles at the shifter.

MAC5

My 98's failed in Sept. 2012, approx 38,000 miles. Linkage cable come loose from the rear transmission shift lever. FSM called it the "transmission shift control adjustment lock", which is simply a clip tab that when pressed down secures the linkage to the transmission shift lever. Nothing on the connector physically broke. I put the connector back on, pressed the tab in and it locked in place. I also put a couple of small tie wraps around the connector. Its been over 3 years and no problems. Someday when work on the under carriage is required, or it breaks at the shifter I'll get the whole cable replaced.

Srkegler

04, broke at the transmission, 96k

BADBIRDCAGE

2000, 109,000 miles. Bushing at shifter end of cable failed.

JR-01

Planning a long trip next summer and a broken cable would ruin it. I am taking my C5 in for transmission service in the spring and are going to have them check the cable. Can it be determined by visual inspection if a cable is about to break or come loose? Would it be a good idea to have it replaced since I have 75K miles on the car? Should I have them check anything else while they are in the area?

Vanover

Mine broke at the shifter.these cars are getting some age on them,if it were me I would replace both ends seeing your going in anyway.auto parts places have the kits for around 5 bucks.got mine from auto zone.i would do it just for piece of mind,with all the treads latey.

JR-01

I see Rock Auto has the cable assembly for 60 bucks. I wouldn't think it would be a big job to replace it, or is it?

Vanover

What year is it?

JR-01

2001

Vanover

Ok,03 has 2 diff.cables.you do have to drop the exhaust pipe and tunnel rail cover to change the cable.on a scale of 5 I'd say it a 3.

JR-01

Thanks. I will have them inspect everything and see what they say. I know all of them won't break, but it is a simple thing that could cause a lot of grief.

Vanover

When they break,there is no warning.if you have the opportunity to change the grommet,I would.

JR-01

OK. I will talk to the mechanic next spring. Is the grommet part of the cable assembly or it it where the cable connects?

AdPock

Here's a good story about how to move your car if you should encounter such a problem, by our resident wrencher Justin Banner:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...-cable-breaks/

Tampa Jerry

This happened to my son's 2000. After we got the car home, we jacked it up and placed it on jack stands. Next we removed the exhaust for extra room. The car has stainless steel exhaust, so the exhaust came off without a hitch. I removed the plastic bushing on the cable and installed a new one. It has to snap in place. We purchased a set of plastic bushings at our local auto store for about $3. The Chevy dealer does not offer just the bushing. I had to drill one of the bushings so it would fit. I took a set of index drill bits under the car and drove the drill into the bushing by hand. I used sharp bits and it took about a minute. No need to buy a new cable for big bucks. I wish all my repairs were this easy. It has been about a year since we fixed it. All is well. Jerry

JR-01

So the cable doesn't break, the bushings and grommets are the problem?

Fast one

Mine broke at the shifter end because I lifted the shifter up too much trying to remove the shifter.

Vanover

Yes,the cable will break but usually it is the grommets.

SG Lou

Although my cable is still intact, with 63k on my 04, I'm seriously considering investing in a new cable....just in case !