I thought the clutch was going but now I thinking my shift problem may be due to a the shifter cable link where it connects to the lever on the transmission. There seems to be some play at the bushing in the link. I had my friend shift while i watched it move and the metal/rubber bushing that connects it to the rod on the lever seems to have play in it. I am having hard time shifting into 2nd and reverse. Both of these push the lever in the same direction. Has anyone else out there have same problem with the linkage. Does a new shift cable come with the bushing on the end. Car is 2001 Mazda Tribute 5spd. Thanks.
DrivewayAl

 

Hi,

Litytle late in answering. My 2011 Tribute also has thisfree play on the gear shift cables. In a previous post on this site you find the solution: the rubber bushing on the gearbox cable pivots are worn. Mazda sells only the complete cable set for a lot of money. I solved only it temporary it by winding tape around the pivots and mount the origional rubber bushing again. Meanwhile the problem occurred again; probably the tape is gone.
Better replace the rubber with a plastic bushing; this will be my next job on the vehicle.

Bert