33 replies to this topic

[Russell85]

I have my 06 3.0 RB 6sp.

 

The play in the gear stick is slowly getting worse. is there a way to fix this? is a costly fix or can any mechanic do it, or even better, can it be done at home?

 

I think my wifes driving style has accelerated the wear

 

Cheers

[Liberty]

Mine is slightly wobbly as well. I'm interested to know if it can be fixed easily as well.

[Matty_Lib]

The Mrs' car is also the same, I haven't had a look yet but hoping there's a fix. Probably the linkage.

[duncanm]

your shifter bushes are shot.  One or both ends.  Most likely the knuckle 

 

No idea about 6sp, but 5sp can be done under the car at home with a moderate bit of swearing. Probably a 1-beer job.

 

Here's my rooted 5sp knuckle before hacking. You can see the bush has completely disintegrated (probably from the oil leak dripping on it for a lengthy period, plus the usual road mush)

 

 

and after

 

 

 

I think you're supposed to fork out for a new one

[Samwise]

Yeah, just need new bushing in the linkage

[Russell85]

Looks like im getting under the car and having a look then

 

would repco store these? wheres the place where you guys buy your bushes?

[duncanm]

If its anything like the 5sp - you replace the whole knuckle at the front (or hack it with a bolt and bushes as I did) - probably only a subaru part.

 

Rear bushes I think repco should have, but my bet is it'll be the front knuckle. Get under and have a look

[Liberty]

I forgot to mention, mine is automatic. I just have a bit of play on the stick itself. I assume it's a little different to manual?

[Tim.]

Yep replace the whole knuckle with a new one from Subaru unless you're a genius like Kong. I believe there is a revised part but i'm not sure when they changed the part as your car might already have it. Subaru Parts should be able to provide you with the new part number.

Applies to manual only Gary, sorry you miss out this time

[Liberty]

Damn. I'll see if I can give it a go myself then.

[patttyfox]

What's a new knuckle worth?

[RX25SE]

You can buy the bushes from the dealer.

 

They are like $35 ea. Same from US cost about $18.

[cliffo3rb]

Such a pain to replace the linkage bushes on the 3RB.Not much room to get your hands around the exhaust.I ended up dropping the headers to make it easier.

I installed this kit in mine.You get a bit of a whine due to the harder than stock front and rear stay bushes though.

http://www.entra.com...holy-shift-set/

Feels like racecar after

[Tim.]

Part number for the new knuckle on a Gen 3 is 35047AC030. Maybe check with Subaru which knuckle you need for your car

$49.80 from subarugenuineparts.com

or

$108 from here: http://www.ebay.com....=item232b9b56e3


Not sure what the part number for a 6spd box is. #sorrynotsorry

^updated

[Josh 95LIB]

Definitely check the part number on opposed forces before purchase

[Samwise]

$85 at trade through me for the knuckle.

 

Will check the other bushes and stuff tomorrow.

 

Gary, likewise. May be something that could help..

[cliffo3rb]

Dont need to buy the knuckle for the 6MT, just unbolt the linkage.

These will get you out of trouble.

http://www.entra.com...nkage-bushings/

[Russell85]

just like this???

 

 

[cliffo3rb]

They are only the front and rear stay bushings, not the linkage bushes.

[duncanm]

I dunno what differences there are - that underneath shot looks a lot like my gen3.  I pulled the whole linkage and replaced the bushes (and rear mount) without removing anything more than the heat shields on the exhaust. Crossmembers stayed where they were

 

Sure - there isn't much room: small hands help and a long punch or two is required for the two concentric spring pins - but it was doable on my back under the car without too much hassle.   Maybe the body lift on my outback makes it easier to reach in there.

 

As pointed out above - that's the kartboy bush+mount kit... but your (front) knuckle is likely the problem.