03 Protege5 Shifter won't return to center...
 

Driving home last night I noticed a slushy resistance in my 5 speed. It was moderately difficult to take out of gear and put back into gear and the shifter wouldn't return to center when I put it in neutral. It would either stick to the left or right and won't center even if I try to keep it there. Anyone have any experience with this issue on our cars? I have 160k miles and haven't changed the transmission fluid in forever.

Welcome to the forums!! Can you please add your vehicle to your signature? You can look at mine for an example, it helps when we know year, model, engine, trans, mileage and anything else that may be of importance (mods e.t.c.)

Its probably not a fluid issue but more of a linkage or bushing issue in the transmission, I am not sure but to me it sounds like some nylon/plastic bushings are dead inside that help line up the shifter. Did this happen rather suddenly or was there hints of something going wrong earlier?

Thanks for the advice MazdaTirol. I added my vehicle information to my garage as well as my signature.

Yeah I was leaning toward the shifter bushing. I am going to order a basic oem style replacement and get it up on stands and take a look. Think I should change the bushing that is on the transmission side of the shift arm assembly as well when I do it? What kind of cleaning and lubrication combo should I hit them with when I do the repair? PB blaster followed by ight grease? something heavier perhaps?