Automatic Transmission Shift Cable Repair
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 331
Likes: 33
From: HI&TX
Automatic Transmission Shift Cable Repair
Hey guys, new member here.
I want to be proactive regarding my auto trans shift cable and was wondering if any of you used the bushing replacement kit from bushingfix.com and also can the trans side bushing be replaced without taking the cable off. BTW, I've got 39K miles on my car but it is an 05 C6 so I'm kinda worried due to the age of the bushing. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I want to be proactive regarding my auto trans shift cable and was wondering if any of you used the bushing replacement kit from bushingfix.com and also can the trans side bushing be replaced without taking the cable off. BTW, I've got 39K miles on my car but it is an 05 C6 so I'm kinda worried due to the age of the bushing. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 2,106
From: Left Coast, San Diego
Hey guys, new member here.
I want to be proactive regarding my auto trans shift cable and was wondering if any of you used the bushing replacement kit from bushingfix.com and also can the trans side bushing be replaced without taking the cable off. BTW, I've got 39K miles on my car but it is an 05 C6 so I'm kinda worried due to the age of the bushing. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I want to be proactive regarding my auto trans shift cable and was wondering if any of you used the bushing replacement kit from bushingfix.com and also can the trans side bushing be replaced without taking the cable off. BTW, I've got 39K miles on my car but it is an 05 C6 so I'm kinda worried due to the age of the bushing. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 331
Likes: 33
From: HI&TX
Thanks for your response. I did search the forums and the ones that I saw discussed the Dorman bushing kit and not the Bushingfix.com one and I didn't see any that addressed replacing the trans side while leaving it in. Sorry if I missed it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 331
Likes: 33
From: HI&TX
Thanks for your advice. If I had a lift I would do it myself but with race ramps and a floor jack I know its going to be a PITA. The dealer quoted me $500 to do it and it might be money well spent. I just hope they don't have the new guy do the job.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 66
From: Orlando Florida
I replaced the shift cable on my 05 without a lift. Time consuming, but not hard to do.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 601
Likes: 40
I don't know the price of the bushing kit, but I spent a little more and bought a new GM complete cable assembly when mine failed. I do not have a shop lift, but 4 jack stands is what I normally use to perform any work under the car. A flat shop floor, blanket to lay on, radio, fan and a little time to study the job (take a nap). It was about $50 for the cable and I took my time replacing the cable. It was not a hard job and can be completed with normal hand tools. I knew the failure of the shift cable was a potential issue, but I waited until it failed at the worst possible time and place. I pulled the shifter with the few hand tools that I carry in the car and shifted the transmission into drive by hand just to get the car home. The car was in a parking garage when the cable failed so getting a tow truck up to the 5th floor at midnight was not a good option.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,572
Likes: 1,646
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
I have replaced both ends on two different occasions. The trans end can be replaced with the cable intact...it is just a tight fit getting to it with the exhaust pipe right there.
There are two parts store packs....Dorman 14041 or 14055. I have used both. Think one is nylon and one polyurethane. Not sure if one is better than the other.
I used a bushing from the 14055 pack for the trans end. It snapped in ok but sure seems loose. Get nervous that I will be stranded somewhere if it pops out.
I think what makes replacing the entire cable difficult is that it has to be snaked through the torque tube....not a simple task.
There are two parts store packs....Dorman 14041 or 14055. I have used both. Think one is nylon and one polyurethane. Not sure if one is better than the other.
I used a bushing from the 14055 pack for the trans end. It snapped in ok but sure seems loose. Get nervous that I will be stranded somewhere if it pops out.
I think what makes replacing the entire cable difficult is that it has to be snaked through the torque tube....not a simple task.
Last edited by C6ToGo; Jun 24, 2018 at 03:25 PM.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 331
Likes: 33
From: HI&TX
I don't know the price of the bushing kit, but I spent a little more and bought a new GM complete cable assembly when mine failed. I do not have a shop lift, but 4 jack stands is what I normally use to perform any work under the car. A flat shop floor, blanket to lay on, radio, fan and a little time to study the job (take a nap). It was about $50 for the cable and I took my time replacing the cable. It was not a hard job and can be completed with normal hand tools. I knew the failure of the shift cable was a potential issue, but I waited until it failed at the worst possible time and place. I pulled the shifter with the few hand tools that I carry in the car and shifted the transmission into drive by hand just to get the car home. The car was in a parking garage when the cable failed so getting a tow truck up to the 5th floor at midnight was not a good option.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 331
Likes: 33
From: HI&TX
I have replaced both ends on two different occasions. The trans end can be replaced with the cable intact...it is just a tight fit getting to it with the exhaust pipe right there.
There are two parts store packs....Dorman 14041 or 14055. I have used both. Think one is nylon and one polyurethane. Not sure if one is better than the other.
I used a bushing from the 14055 pack for the trans end. It snapped in ok but sure seems loose. Get nervous that I will be stranded somewhere if it pops out.
I think what makes replacing the entire cable difficult is that it has to be snaked through the torque tube....not a simple task.
There are two parts store packs....Dorman 14041 or 14055. I have used both. Think one is nylon and one polyurethane. Not sure if one is better than the other.
I used a bushing from the 14055 pack for the trans end. It snapped in ok but sure seems loose. Get nervous that I will be stranded somewhere if it pops out.
I think what makes replacing the entire cable difficult is that it has to be snaked through the torque tube....not a simple task.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 601
Likes: 40
I have replaced both ends on two different occasions. The trans end can be replaced with the cable intact...it is just a tight fit getting to it with the exhaust pipe right there.
There are two parts store packs....Dorman 14041 or 14055. I have used both. Think one is nylon and one polyurethane. Not sure if one is better than the other.
I used a bushing from the 14055 pack for the trans end. It snapped in ok but sure seems loose. Get nervous that I will be stranded somewhere if it pops out.
I think what makes replacing the entire cable difficult is that it has to be snaked through the torque tube....not a simple task.
There are two parts store packs....Dorman 14041 or 14055. I have used both. Think one is nylon and one polyurethane. Not sure if one is better than the other.
I used a bushing from the 14055 pack for the trans end. It snapped in ok but sure seems loose. Get nervous that I will be stranded somewhere if it pops out.
I think what makes replacing the entire cable difficult is that it has to be snaked through the torque tube....not a simple task.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 338
Likes: 64
From: San Diego CA
Yes you can just replace the bushings if they fail. There is a kit at Autozone that has it. Can be a bit difficult to pop in, but doable with pliers. I first replaced the whole cable on my Vette, but I just replaced the bushings on my fathers Vette. If you want to change the cable, you can do it without too much trouble. Just make a tape rope and have a friend pull the new cable up through the car. Takes a bit of maneuvering, but it can be done and only took us about an hour or so.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 20
From: FLORIDA
shift cable
Originally Posted by 808_Vette;1597 2
Thanks for your advice. If I had a lift I would do it myself but with race ramps and a floor jack I know its going to be a PITA. The dealer quoted me $500 to do it and it might be money well spent. I just hope they don't have the new guy do the job.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,572
Likes: 1,646
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 331
Likes: 33
From: HI&TX
Hey guys,
Just thought that I'd do an update. Removed my shifter on Saturday to inspect the bushing and when I disconnected the cable the bushing was brittle and came out in pieces. I guess I caught it just in time. I'm going to replace the trans side this weekend. Thanks to all for your input!
Just thought that I'd do an update. Removed my shifter on Saturday to inspect the bushing and when I disconnected the cable the bushing was brittle and came out in pieces. I guess I caught it just in time. I'm going to replace the trans side this weekend. Thanks to all for your input!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,124
Likes: 1,904
From: Missouri City, TX
Hey guys,
Just thought that I'd do an update. Removed my shifter on Saturday to inspect the bushing and when I disconnected the cable the bushing was brittle and came out in pieces. I guess I caught it just in time. I'm going to replace the trans side this weekend. Thanks to all for your input!
Just thought that I'd do an update. Removed my shifter on Saturday to inspect the bushing and when I disconnected the cable the bushing was brittle and came out in pieces. I guess I caught it just in time. I'm going to replace the trans side this weekend. Thanks to all for your input!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 376
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I was thinking that would be I good thing to do!! I think I may tackle that job this comming winter. I guess this cable snakes around the torque tube and thru the air gap to the trans...it's pretty bad that GM used a plastic bushing on a part that gets used EVERYTIME you drive the car!!!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 608
Likes: 42
From: bradenton Fl
Hey guys,
Just thought that I'd do an update. Removed my shifter on Saturday to inspect the bushing and when I disconnected the cable the bushing was brittle and came out in pieces. I guess I caught it just in time. I'm going to replace the trans side this weekend. Thanks to all for your input!
Just thought that I'd do an update. Removed my shifter on Saturday to inspect the bushing and when I disconnected the cable the bushing was brittle and came out in pieces. I guess I caught it just in time. I'm going to replace the trans side this weekend. Thanks to all for your input!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,182
From: Conyers Georgia
I just had mine replaced last weekend at the dealer after 2 bushing failures in 6 months.The second time was due to an incorrectly installed bushing. The cable was 50.00 and the install along with a transmission service, fluid, filter etc the bill was 577.00 and both jobs took the tech 3 hours. If you use the dorman kit, use the bushing with the number embossed on it. (theres only one)