Are you talking about the ball on the other end of the shift lever(inside the top of the trans)? Is there a recommendation for the type of grease to be used? Also this seems unrelated to me haha, but I'm willing to try it.

 

Regarding the crunch in 2nd gear (Notchiness) I tried re-greasing the shifter and installed Moddication shift knob, it helped a lot.

 

It took me around 8 years to get around to this https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/772...e-shifter-diy/

I hope others don't wait that long!