Shift Mechanism: Disassembly

-- Remove the shift mechanism. Refer to SHIFT MECHANISM .

-- Bend down the tabs -arrows- on the shift mechanism base plate using a screwdriver and remove the base plate. The tabs on the front of the base plate are not illustrated.

Fig 1: Bending Tabs On Shift Mechanism Base Plate

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the gasket from the shift housing.

-- Remove the shift cable and the selector cable from the shift housing. Refer to SHIFT AND SELECTOR CABLES .

-- Lift the upper leg -A- of the pressure spring over the tab on the selector bracket.

Fig 2: Identifying Bearing Shell Notches

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Using a screwdriver, press the bearing shell notches -arrows- in the direction of the shift lever guide bearing, break the notches if necessary.

-- Pry out the bearing shell -A- with the shift lever guide -B- from the shift housing.

Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Shell Pressed Off Shift Lever Guide Bearing

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-- Then, press the bearing shell off the shift lever guide bearing and remove.

Pay attention to the guides -A- in the next step.

Fig 4: Identifying Ball Studs On Selector Bracket And Shift Lever Turned In
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
They must not break off.

-- Lift the bottom leg -arrow 1- of the pressure spring onto the shoulder on the selector bracket.

-- Now, raise the shift lever guide up as far as the stop and remove the ball studs from the selector bracket -arrow 2-.

-- Turn the shift lever guide in the -direction of arrow 1-.

Fig 5: Identifying Shift Lever Turned To Place Pins In Shift Housing Opening

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The pins -arrow 2- must be in the shift housing opening.

-- Move the shift lever guide and the shift lever in the -direction of arrow 3-.