2002 Mazda Protege5
Shifter normally has resistance when travelling through the gears. Lately, from time to time, it is extremely easy (almost loose) going into gear but goes into gear fine and stays in gear. This lasts for a couple drives then it's back to what I'd call normal resistance moving between gears. Is this a linkage / bushing issue or something more I need to look at?

Many thanks!

 

I think you are on the right track. Check the bushings.

 

if the shifter has a lot of travel from side to side, the bushings are gone. they are plastic and very cheap. you will be amazed by how nice is to operate the shifter when you replace the bushings. the 2003 protege has 6 bushings. i bought them at $1.25 each. the 4 at the ends are easy to replace. the 2 at the middle of the rod (there is like a joint there) requires you to grind the rivet out, install the bushing and replace the bushing with an appropriate bolt. the kind that has threads only at the end. i bought the bolt at home depot. lubricate the bushings with silicon grease, and use locktite blue thread lock on all the bolts.

 

I have a similar problem in my 03 5spd dx. Where can I get those bushings?

 

i bought them from a mazda dealer. if you plan to replace the pair where you replace the rivet by a bolt (and you should), try to get the shortest bolt that will fit, or cut the the bolt flush with the nut because it will contact a braket and you wont be able to shift. just cut it flush and try it. if it hits anything just remove the bolt install the bolt from the other side.

 

try aftermarket threaded shift *****

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what size was the bolt? i’m at home depot now.