I'm new to
Porsche
and the forum. Just purchased a
2006 Cayman S
with 6 speed manual transmission and it has 150k miles. The gear shifter went limp after shifting into reverse. Discovered the bushing on the linkage that controls the up/down stick motion is wore out and won't stay on the ball joint connecting to the transmission. Everything else about the linkage cables is working fine.
Does anyone know if its possible to replace just the bushing or do I need to buy a linkage cable set? I've been googling but haven't found a clear answer. I'm also searching for the service manual as well and left a message on another thread on this forum with someone that has the PDF.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
I highly recommend Function-First shifter cable ends. Much cheaper and easier than replacing the entire cable set. And if your old cables do break later on due to age, you can transfer the Function-First kit to the new cables for better feel.
Shifter Cable Ends
No you cant replace just the ends. the whole cable needs replascing.
If there's enough purchase left of cable and the cable is otherwise unremarkable, then you could probably use the ends. However, I believe Synthedup makes a great point especially in this regard: It's a
Porsche
, you are already going in there, you are getting free labor (assuming). Do the job to the best of your possible capability with new parts. Then when you're out in the twistes you'll have more confidence that one of those "jimmy rigged" ends doesn't fail and leave in the wilderness. This approach also will retain the car value to the highest possible level.
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. Since the car has 150k and I don't know the life of the cables, I will look into new cables. I've read the
numeric cables
are a good replacements.
Synthedup and Boristhespyder are correct, you can’t replace the cable ends themselves, at least not easily. If your cables break, then full replacement with OEM or
Numeric cables
is required. There is lots of good information on this site about the pros and cons of each.
But that wasn’t your original question. If you just want to replace the worn bushings, and your cables are otherwise in good shape, then the Function-First kit is the way to go. The product name is a bit misleading. The kit only replaces the worn plastic and rubber inserts in the cable ends with delrin and aluminum inserts. It is a very well engineered product and not at all a “jimmy rigged” solution.
I have no affiliation with the company, just a very happy customer.
Porsche
and their shift linkages, the 944 was ridiculous in design. bulky and prone to mini adjustments and tweaks. One thing to recognize here is the new ends will transmit any vibration or chatter as a consequence of removing the rubber plastic arrangement. The upside should be the shifting operation will feel more precise.
You would think the higher durometer delrin would transmit more vibration to the cable and shifter compared to the stock rubber, but actually I did not notice any increase in vibration after I changed mine.
