Wobbly shifter fix?

[DWilliam]

New to me 2002 sR5, automatic, 2WD. Shifter is wobbly, is it an easy fix? No issues shifting, but I don’t want it to become an issue in the future.

 

[gamefreakgc]

It can be fixed by replacing the plastic bushings that are in the shift column. They disintegrate over time and cause it to become loose.

Loose Shifter? - Replace your shifter bushings! - Write up with pictures

 

[ads2539]

New to me 2002 sR5, automatic, 2WD. Shifter is wobbly, is it an easy fix? No issues shifting, but I don’t want it to become an issue in the future.

I don’t know if the 2WD fix is different from the 4WD fix, but there’s also a video on youtube called “wobbly shifter fix - 3rd gen toyota 4runner” by Faye Hadley from All Girls Garage.

It sounds like your plastic bushings broke, like hers did - less than $5 in parts.

It looks like a very time consuming fix to me, and I have no idea if the problem will get worse if you don’t fix it. (I’m not a professional mechanic.)

One (1) youtube user said it was an easy job. The before/after shifting is a night/day difference. It doesn’t look difficult, just time consuming.

 

[DWilliam]

It can be fixed by replacing the plastic bushings that are in the shift column. They disintegrate over time and cause it to become loose.

Loose Shifter? - Replace your shifter bushings! - Write up with pictures

Thank you! Same install if I don’t have 4WD?

 

[ads2539]

Thank you! Same install if I don’t have 4WD?

2WD might be a little easier, based on what’s in the youtube video.

 

[gamefreakgc]

2WD might be a little easier, based on what’s in the youtube video.

Yes 2WD is easier as there's less to remove. I wouldn't call the job itself easy if you are new to repairs but with the right tools and by taking your time it's not too bad at all. The key part is to mark the position of the shifter linkage to the transmission on both sides of the nut so you get it exactly back in the same place.

 

[phattyduck]

2WD might be a little easier, based on what’s in the youtube video.

Half as many pivot bushings, but otherwise the same process.

-Charlie

 

[JoeT4R]

I don’t know if the 2WD fix is different from the 4WD fix, but there’s also a video on youtube called “wobbly shifter fix - 3rd gen toyota 4runner” by Faye Hadley from All Girls Garage.

It sounds like your plastic bushings broke, like hers did - less than $5 in parts.

It looks like a very time consuming fix to me, and I have no idea if the problem will get worse if you don’t fix it. (I’m not a professional mechanic.)

One (1) youtube user said it was an easy job. The before/after shifting is a night/day difference. It doesn’t look difficult, just time consuming.

At OP, everything that this guy said above is accurate. It takes time but is not hard at all. The difference is indeed night and day, you will thank yourself later for such a small little upgrade. Get in there, get your hands dirty and get to it.

 

[DWilliam]

At OP, everything that this guy said above is accurate. It takes time but is not hard at all. The difference is indeed night and day, you will thank yourself later for such a small little upgrade. Get in there, get your hands dirty and get to it.

Ordered 4 bushings, guess I only need two. Watched a couple YouTube videos so I’ll tackle it once the bushings come. Thanks!

 

[phattyduck]

Ordered 4 bushings, guess I only need two. Watched a couple YouTube videos so I’ll tackle it once the bushings come. Thanks!

I ordered 4 bushings when I did my 4WD swap years ago, but the bushings were still in good shape. Now they sit in my parts box waiting for failure...

-Charlie