Hey all, I was wondering if someone can let me know how much play should be acceptable with the sitck? I've noticed that it kind of bounces around loosely while driving over rough roads. When in gear it has about 1/4" play in any direction. Maybe I'm not used to the car yet but I don't remember the stick being that loose on the test drive?? Still seems to shift fine. Thanks,
J

 

I believe this to be normal. After all, the stick is attached directly to the tranny. The tranny is bolted to the engine. The whole thing has rubber mounts. You get movement not only due to road irregularities but also the "torque" twisting that happens when the engine powers up.

 

Xviper,
True the stick may move some because of the drivetrain but this doesn't feel like it is a vibration coming through all that metal. It's almost as if the stick wiggles separate from the transmission. I imagine it's like if the stick were only connected to the tranny by a tight rubber band. Ok, well maybe that is an exaggeration, I mean it only wiggles about 1/4". You're probably right in that it is normal and I am just paranoid being the second day that I have had the car. There is a silver S that parks on the street near me and usually leaves the top down, so maybe I'll have to do some recon to investigate what another car feels like

J

 

Check out this thread I posted a while back. I think it will help your "wobble"

Shifter Ring/Wobble

 

From your description, it doesn't seem like you have the "ringing" condition. Every car I've owned has displayed the characteristic you've described. The only exceptions were those that had cable actuated shift connections. In these cases, the shifter assembly was secured at or near the central tunnel and didn't get affected by drive train movements.
Since the car is new to you, keep an eye on it but I think it's not something you need to worry about. To ease your mind, find another member here who lives in your area and get together and go for a ride in each other's car.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]From your description, it doesn't seem like you have the "ringing" condition.

 

So yours actually made a noise? I must admit that if mine made such a noise, it would drive me nuts too. So far (touch wood) mine has never made any sounds but it does move around with the undulations of the road.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]
So yours actually made a noise?

 

Thanks for the input guys!
I'm pretty sure now that it is just normal wobble but if it gets any worse I'll try the "ringing" solution.

J