Does anyone have a recommendation for an alternative to the plastic Transmission Shift Cable Bushing? Today as I was pulling into a parking space at Lowes, I abruptly stopped and started to back up because they had changed that particular spot for "Curbside Pickup". Unfortunately, I must've put the transmission into reverse before the vehicle had come to a complete stop. The result.... I broke the transmission shift cable bushing and was stuck in reverse. Luckily I was able to back my rig into a different space, set the emergency brake and turn the truck off. I then crawled under the truck to see that indeed I had broken the bushing and I manually put the transmission into park (so I could start it back up) and then crawled back under while it was running and put the truck in Drive so I could drive home.

This is the second time the bushing has snapped. I think because I regularly park on an incline the bushing takes a lot of stress. I always set the emergency break to relieve some of the stress this tiny little plastic piece is taking on but I'm guessing that it's not enough.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a stronger part? For anyone that has seen this bushing, you know that it's crazy that GM would use such a fragile part on such a heavy vehicle.

 

you can get creative with carb link pins. many different styles to choose from. but it will require to remove the range selector pin and drill a hole.
https://www.google.com/search?q=carb...=2194&bih=1243

 

I used a longer bolt, ran thru shift lever arm, then nyloc nut, washer, shift cable then another washer and nyloc.

Tim

 

I used the dorman one from parts store. I also ordered a “heavy duty” one from eBay for a spare.
both are plastic, but the eBay one is definitely more solid feeling and made in USA

 

I ended up building a permanent solution with some parts from HD/Lowes.
1x 1/4x3/8x1/2 Steel Spacer
2x 1/4 Nylon washer
2 1/4 Steel Washer
1 1/4x20x1 1/2 Grade 8 Bolt
1 1/4x20 Grade 8 Locknut

Total cost, less than $10

 

Just buy the whole cable new, it was about $54 last I checked and I just bought a new one, I also went through two of those bushings and I think after getting my old one off the reason is it wasn’t properly adjusted.

Stop trying to make your existing work and just spend the $50.

 

There is nothing wrong with the cable iwillnc. The problem is the plastic bushing degrades over time and it is cheaper and easier to just replace the bushing or change the bushing end up to metal components as a couple have done.

One thing I would do if changing to metal stuff like above though would be to use stainless steel instead of plain steel so nothing will rust.

 

Thanks for the replies. I swapped out the plastic bushing and bought a couple extras to keep in the glove box. Coffeydp, thank you for the picture detail. I think I might try that.

iwillnc, I took it to my mechanic to assess the cable and there's nothing wrong with it. I'm definitely not trying to take the cheap route to save $50. Just trying to stop the madness of replacing plastic pieces.

 

Fix it right (improved design over oem) and forgetaboutit! Nice work.

 

yeah just be weary of the nut that holds the arm to the transmission. if it does not budge it will most likely need fire which will roast the neutral switch its harness and maybe the shaft seal. i snapped mine off trying to remove the nut by hand, no fire and cost me 500 to replace the shaft. 12 dollar part rest was labour.