I have a 2K1 SE manual, and my shift starter feeling really loose a couple of days ago. It goes into gear, but the shifting feels akward, as if the shifter is going to fall off.

Does anyone know what this is?

 

I don't know how similar the '01 and '02 transmission are, but check the shifter bushing and shifter cable bracket (both under-hood).

 

and the linkage in the car under the shifter boot.

 

if it's similar to the 02-03 models, the shifter has crappy rubber bushings at the shifter and the linkage on the tranny. They even put holes in the bushings to make them softer. You may have ripped one or the other causing them to be very sloppy.

 

Like the other guys said, check the bushings. They are easy to replace yourself. It should take about 15-20 minutes under the hood and about 10 minutes in the car to do the job.

Get ES bushings.

 

i don't think the 5 speeds have the same bushing style. ES only makes them for the 6 speeds

 

5 speeds have the bushing under the shifter. Definitely check that. There's someone on here that makes polyurethane bushings for the 5 speeds. I can't remember, but i think it's carnal that does them.

 

Can someone tell me the difference felt (if any) if your OEM bushings are good but replaced with ES shifter bushings?

 

For the 6-speed, the OE bushings are part 'open' whereas the ES bushings are solid and use a stiffer rubber.

 

5-speed urethane bushings

http://forums.maxima.org/group-deals...-bushings.html