Worn Shift Linkage?

[soopster]

I have found it progessively harder to shift since I bought my 2002 Boxster (no jokes here please, well maybe some for levity). Mainly from 1st to 2nd it seems to get hung up (stuck) briefly as I pass through the center. Holding it there with light pressure for a split second, it then goes nicely into 2nd. Doesn't always happen, sometimes it shifts very smoothly. There is no grinding and it doesn't seem to be related to RPM. It's worse when it's cold but still there when it's warm. It occurred before I installed my Porsche short shifter and still does after. It's an annoyance more than problem.

So last visit to the dealership, I asked them to look at it again. They described the feeling as "notchy". They lubricated the linkage and it was great when I picked it up and for a few days later. Since then it has gone back to as it was.

Any thoughts? I am thinking it is the linkage based upon that. Would replacing the linkage help? Any similar experiences?

I also asked them about replacing the front engine mount, since I have 75K km on the car (50K miles). They said it didn't need it. Is this the type of "shifting problems" people have seen with a worn front engine mount?

By the way, also got a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport's and a four wheel alignment done. It sure is nice to have new tires. Handles much nicer, quieter, great in the rain etc etc.

Edited April 28, 2009 by soopster

[beauar]

I have a 2003 996 carrera 2. The shift between first and second as you are aware is a long one. I sometimes can feel a little rough patch between the changes. i think this has something to do with the syncro mesh. it is noticeable in cold weather when interior and car in general isn't warmed up. I usually check into a a couple of gears before driving. Put the clutch down and check into all gears to give them lubrication. I found this helps. If you try to drive the car while it is cold without doing this you can cause some damage. Does anyone else out there have the same issue we have?

[por911]

50k miles was around when our mounts went out(01 base). Replaced both trans(see pic) , motor mounts, and changed the gear oil which made the car shift even better then when it was new. It really improved that first shift from 1st to 2nd, especially in the cold as well as rid the car of a few vibrations/noises which was nice. As a DIY, they were relatively easy. You might also consider flushing out the clutch hydralic fluid. This helped as well. Next on my list will be a 997 shifter housing/assembly.

Regards

Edited April 28, 2009 by por911

[Rob in CO]

My 2001 S had a sometimes stubborn 2-3 upshift. It almost always happened when cold and improved as the car warmed up. I have a B&M shifter. I recently replaced the front motor mount and it has made a significant improvement. It is still a little bit sticky when the car is dead cold but nothing like before.

The dealer is telling you that your mount has not completely failed, which is likely true. It is probably very worn, though. I went with an aftermarket replacement (Pedro) that is a bit stiffer. It sounds and feels a little bit different than the stock but I like it and I really like the crisp shifter feel.

[Stefan]

Other than the motor mount, the problem could be due to a need to bleed the clutch (clutch is not fully disengaging) or misadjusted shift cables,

[soopster]

Thanks. I think my next step will be to replace the front engine mount. I have a local mechanic that does Porsche work that might make this a reasonably priced fix. Perhaps the clutch fluid bleed idea at the same time is a good idea as well.

Another question. The dealer service rep mentioned that the Boxster mounts are hydraulic and should not need replacing. They look plain rubber to me. Is he confused with other models?

[por911]

That dealer rep is incorrect. Those hydralic rear trans mounts/wt brackets do go bad. Ours had sagged over 1/2 inch. I can tell you, it does effect the shifting when they are collapsed. These hydralic mounts don't seem to leak like ones on VW/Audi's. With only 3 mounts for the drivetrain system, it is somewhat taxed.

regards

[soopster]

Thanks. I think my next move is to replace the front engine mount and perhaps the trans mounts but I will need to find a good independent mechanic around here since the dealer wants a ridiculous amount for labour. Although the DIY doesn't sound too difficult, time is a problem these days.