Well so far I've searched though all the install threads, Polo's website and re-read the instructions for the install of the 6sp shifter bushings.

I didn't have a problem installing the bushings on the ends of the shifter cables, but I am having the worst time installing the bushings at the base of the shifter houisng.

Per the instructions from Cattman/ES/Polo I've taken off the shiftboot by popping the piece holding the shifter out, then have removed the console piece around the shifter holder also.

At this point I can get the two rearward nuts off and the forward passenger-side nut off, but cant get around the shifter cable to take off the forward driver-side nut.

For those that have installed the bushings, did you take off the entire center console so that you can get to the nut from the drivers side, or are you using a jointed socket to get around the cable?

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

If I remember correctly, I think you do have to remove the whole shifter assy to get to the 6 little base bushings on the bottom of the shifter. Which means you have to unbolt the whole console so it can "float" in order to remove the the shifter base. Here's one tip, make sure you put a little white grease or Red Line synthetic grease around any moving/sliding parts you can see! Your shifter action will be MUCH stiffer and the grease will help things slide and take a seat better. I combined mine with a Short Through Shifter arm. They made a big difference, But I think the nature of a cable operated shifter still leaves something to be desired! The next step will be to replace the trans fluid with Red Line MT90 to try and smooth it out a little more. Good Luck!!!

 

you have to lift it up. not totally remove, but at least lift it up enough to squeeze your hand underneath. it's a tight one, but it'll work. scratched up my arm quite a bit, but that's why we're men...we can deal with a nick or a scratch here and there.

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

When you say lift "it" up, are you talking about the cable that's attached to the shifter and covers the drivers side, forward nut, or are you talking about the center console?

More specifically, when you took off the center console, how may pieces are you taking off? I took off the shift boot and piece it attaches to, and the piece around that. Should I be taking off more pieces to allow easier access to the above mentioned nut?

 

i ended up lifting out the whole center console...in fact...i think i removed the whole center console. sorry bro, wish i could help, it was a LONG time ago. at least a year, maybe more.

 

Thanks, that makes a lot more sense now and I can see where my mistake was.

I stopped the install because I couldn't get to the nut under the shifter cable. I'll try again and remove the whole center console, which should allow me to get to that nut.

Any future replies are always appreciated.