The end loop of the automatic transmission shift cable (a $341 CDN) is made of plastic. Over time, rust builds up between the end loop and the bolt that connects the cable to the shift lever on the transmission. Once that happens, the loop cannot move freely on the bolt and the plastic will begin to bend slightly every time you shift gears. After awhile, the plastic will break due to fatigue. To prevent this, this part should be kept well oiled/greased in order to prevent rust but unfortunately we are not told about this easy preventive maintenance. If you end up with a broken cable, it is fairly easy to fix provided you have some skills at working metal. (1) Disconnect the cable end bolt from the transmission shift lever and remove all of the plastic. (2) Remove the flat washer being careful to salvage all of the metal that holds the flat washer on the bolt (you will need it for reassembly). (3) Take a scrap piece of metal (about 1.25 in. long x 1/2 in. wide x 3/8 in. thick) and drill a 5/16 in. hole centered 3/8 in. from one end. (4) At the other end, centered on the end face, drill a 13/64 in. hole towards the first hole (parallel to the long axis of the metal piece) and thread this hole using a 1/4-20 tap. (5) Insert the salvaged bolt in the 5/16 in. hole, reinstall the flat washer and secure it in place by riveting the metal (make sure that the metal piece will move freely on the bolt when done). (6) Now go to the cable and remove all plastic left on the end of the metal rod that was connected to the plastic loop in which the bolt was inserted. (7) Using vise grip pliers hold the rod firmly in place and thread the first 1/2 in. of that rod using 1/4-20 tap (make sure that the rod does not turn while doing this). (8) When done, screw on your metal piece on the rod and re-attach your repaired cable to the transmission shift lever (make sure that the transmission is in Park). (9) If the bolt does not go in easily, loosen the retaining bolt that connects the other end of the cable to the car shift lever, install the bolt on the transmission shift lever and then tighten the bolt on the car shift lever. Check to make sure that the transmission shifts properly and readjust as necessary. Voila; you are done and have likely saved yourself in excess of $500. Hope this helps.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The end loop of the automatic transmission shift cable (a $341 CDN) is made of plastic. Over time, rust builds up between the end loop and the bolt that connects the cable to the shift lever on the transmission. Once that happens, the loop cannot move freely on the bolt and the plastic will begin to bend slightly every time you shift gears. After awhile, the plastic will break due to fatigue. To prevent this, this part should be kept well oiled/greased in order to prevent rust but unfortunately we are not told about this easy preventive maintenance. If you end up with a broken cable, it is fairly easy to fix provided you have some skills at working metal. (1) Disconnect the cable end bolt from the transmission shift lever and remove all of the plastic. (2) Remove the flat washer being careful to salvage all of the metal that holds the flat washer on the bolt (you will need it for reassembly). (3) Take a scrap piece of metal (about 1.25 in. long x 1/2 in. wide x 3/8 in. thick) and drill a 5/16 in. hole centered 3/8 in. from one end. (4) At the other end, centered on the end face, drill a 13/64 in. hole towards the first hole (parallel to the long axis of the metal piece) and thread this hole using a 1/4-20 tap. (5) Insert the salvaged bolt in the 5/16 in. hole, reinstall the flat washer and secure it in place by riveting the metal (make sure that the metal piece will move freely on the bolt when done). (6) Now go to the cable and remove all plastic left on the end of the metal rod that was connected to the plastic loop in which the bolt was inserted. (7) Using vise grip pliers hold the rod firmly in place and thread the first 1/2 in. of that rod using 1/4-20 tap (make sure that the rod does not turn while doing this). (8) When done, screw on your metal piece on the rod and re-attach your repaired cable to the transmission shift lever (make sure that the transmission is in Park). (9) If the bolt does not go in easily, loosen the retaining bolt that connects the other end of the cable to the car shift lever, install the bolt on the transmission shift lever and then tighten the bolt on the car shift lever. Check to make sure that the transmission shifts properly and readjust as necessary. Voila; you are done and have likely saved yourself in excess of $500. Hope this helps.
- Yvan D., Ottawa, ON, Canada