808_Vette

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

Vet Interested

808_Vette

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.

Biggie G

Havevthe whole assembly replaced....It's really a tough job. I had the dealer do it. And the tech was a veteran...he had a hard time....

808_Vette

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.

RICH 28

I replaced the shift cable on my 05 without a lift. Time consuming, but not hard to do.

hydrasport

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.

C6ToGo

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.

808_Vette

That's my nightmare. From what I've read it doesn't seem to be too difficult for the most part but the adjustment of the cable worries me. Thanks

808_Vette

From what I've seen the bushingfix.com one looks to be superior to the Dorman and it includes a installation tool. Thanks

hydrasport

Use a small piece of rope tied to one end of the old cable when you pull it out of the torque tube. It will help with the installation of the new cable and make it a one person job.

VetteofSD

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.

ROJ#79

I paid a dealer here in Florida $330.00 to replace it on my .08 with 32000 miles,

Biggie G

I called around for the labor cost...lowest here in Chicago was $240. I brought the part online.


dont try it if you've never have...its a hot mess down there

C6ToGo

I've done repairs on my cars that I have never done before......and saved tens of thousands of dollars in the process. Don't be shy.

808_Vette

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!

GOLD72

There are only two types of A4 & A6 corvette trannies. Those that have experienced cable bushing failures and those that are going to!!! Time and temperature makes those plastic bushings brittle and they will eventually split. With an 05, you were definitely on borrowed time.

seijack

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!!!

bacord

Sorry I meaning to post this earlier, but maybe help someone in the future. About the 3rd video down is about replacing the bushings and a few other good videos https://www.corvettepartscenter.com/pages/videos

yellow2007

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)