Shifter cable
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 332
Likes: 24
From: Denton, TX My goal in life is to be as good of a person that my dog already thinks I am.
I had mine replaced last month on my '08 by a local shop who specializes in Corvettes for a little over $300. I wasn't having any issues because of age I had it replaced for peace of mind. The part was about $60 the rest labor. I hear some dealers charge over $500. I suggest asking around or find a local Corvette club and ask some of the members who may have someone they recommend.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 38
Likes: 17
From: Lake Park, Florida
You can get an idea on how worn the shifter cable is by looking at how the drive letters line up when shifting the car. For example, start your car and put it in drive watch how the "D" lines up with the red indicator. On worn cables they tend to be sloppy. If it moves from position to position crisply, the cable shows no or little grommet wear. This isn't fool proof, the grommet can have a catastrophic failure, but they usually have a "tell" when about to fail.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,338
Likes: 2,438
From: Eastern
I've got just under 100K on my original cable and grommets, and they are still solid. I believe heat has a lot to do with the issues.
I happen to live in a northern climate, doesn't hit 90 F much in the summer
I happen to live in a northern climate, doesn't hit 90 F much in the summer
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
Likes: 3,150
From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Maybe my thinking is flawed, but I can't see how the actual shifter cable can wear out or break very easily.
What breaks is one of the plastic bushings that attach to the cable on both ends ... On my 2011 GS with only 19,000 miles, what failed was the front bushing that attaches the cable to the shifter lever. When the bushing broke into two peaces, it caused the cable to completely detach from the shifter (causing me to be stranded)
The bushing cost me $10 from Autozone (Dorman P/N: 14055)
What breaks is one of the plastic bushings that attach to the cable on both ends ... On my 2011 GS with only 19,000 miles, what failed was the front bushing that attaches the cable to the shifter lever. When the bushing broke into two peaces, it caused the cable to completely detach from the shifter (causing me to be stranded)
The bushing cost me $10 from Autozone (Dorman P/N: 14055)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 1,592
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Maybe my thinking is flawed, but I can't see how the actual shifter cable can wear out or break very easily.
What breaks is one of the plastic bushings that attach to the cable on both ends ... On my 2011 GS with only 19,000 miles, what failed was the front bushing that attaches the cable to the shifter lever. When the bushing broke into two peaces, it caused the cable to completely detach from the shifter (causing me to be stranded)
The bushing cost me $10 from Autozone (Dorman P/N: 14055)
What breaks is one of the plastic bushings that attach to the cable on both ends ... On my 2011 GS with only 19,000 miles, what failed was the front bushing that attaches the cable to the shifter lever. When the bushing broke into two peaces, it caused the cable to completely detach from the shifter (causing me to be stranded)
The bushing cost me $10 from Autozone (Dorman P/N: 14055)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 433
From: Bossier City Louisiana
Be very careful when replacing the grommet by the shifter. Pulling up on the cable can snap the plastic housing, resulting in needing a new cable. The cable itself does not break.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,081
Likes: 1,592
From: Edmond Oklahoma
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 65
From: Hollywood Florida
Both of mine failed within 3 months of each other; the one grommet attached to the shifter inside the car, and then the one attached to the tranny, below the car. My guess was "age" since the car was garaged and wasn't really exposed to extreme cold or heat. Pep Boys and most auto parts have the replacement for less then $7. Its a pain, but least least didn't get ripped off by towing the car and having to pay someone $500.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,338
Likes: 2,438
From: Eastern
Both of mine failed within 3 months of each other; the one grommet attached to the shifter inside the car, and then the one attached to the tranny, below the car. My guess was "age" since the car was garaged and wasn't really exposed to extreme cold or heat. Pep Boys and most auto parts have the replacement for less then $7. Its a pain, but least least didn't get ripped off by towing the car and having to pay someone $500.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 65
From: Hollywood Florida
Lived in NJ, just moved to Florida, had car since 2006. Car was garaged, both failed at about 35,000 miles, and was always very careful about shifting car too harshly. When one the grommets failed, it was in the middle of a U turn on a public street at 3am. What a nightmare!!! Its hard to believe most vehicles have this cheap plastic ten cent part doing all that work!!!
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Last edited by Xctguy; May 24, 2019 at 06:57 PM.
