Removing Tunnel Plate
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Removing Tunnel Plate
I am getting ready to replace my Shifter Cable on my 2001 A4 (preventive measure). Do I "have" to remove the exhaust in order to remove the tunnel plate (I also have a Corsa X-Pipe if that matters)?
I hate to remove the exhaust unless absolutely necessary since I have Corsa Tiger Sharks and I finally got them perfectly aligned.
I hate to remove the exhaust unless absolutely necessary since I have Corsa Tiger Sharks and I finally got them perfectly aligned.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Yes, you will definitely have to remove the exhaust to remove the plate. Unless you are experiencing any problems why fix what ain't broken? Maybe yours will never give you any issues. Case in point: 02 and 03 Z06's have had lots of problems with broken valve springs, yet my 03 just turned 150,000 miles on the original springs with zero problems. I was way past the typical breakage point when I first heard of this problem.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
While putting in a new rear drive, I had the shift cable replaced, 2001 A4, 104,000 miles, about six months ago.
The old cable was in excellent condition, grommets firm and no cracks in them.
Take a close look at the grommet on the cable at the transmission lever for a clue as to grommet condition. Use a small mirror on a wand to look for cracks in the grommet.
It looks to me that GM had various vendors for these cables since some came with light colored almost clear grommets but others, like my original cable, had dark grey, almost black grommets. As noted, the dark grey grommets on my original cable were in good condition after 15 years.
There is a driveline tunnel bracket for the shift cable, I don't believe that it can be reached without removing the tunnel plate. Removing the exhaust and tunnel plate allows all the work to be done from underneath. The front cable grommet can be changed from above, but there is significant risk of breaking the cable plastic guide sheath while doing so.
The old cable was in excellent condition, grommets firm and no cracks in them.
Take a close look at the grommet on the cable at the transmission lever for a clue as to grommet condition. Use a small mirror on a wand to look for cracks in the grommet.
It looks to me that GM had various vendors for these cables since some came with light colored almost clear grommets but others, like my original cable, had dark grey, almost black grommets. As noted, the dark grey grommets on my original cable were in good condition after 15 years.
There is a driveline tunnel bracket for the shift cable, I don't believe that it can be reached without removing the tunnel plate. Removing the exhaust and tunnel plate allows all the work to be done from underneath. The front cable grommet can be changed from above, but there is significant risk of breaking the cable plastic guide sheath while doing so.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
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