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Should gear shift center itself while in neutral?



Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Planned maintenance scheduled April 23, 2019 at 00:00UTC (8:00pm US/Eastern)
Should we be closing questions more regularly?Parking — in gear or neutral?How does Audi Crown Gear Center Differential work?Gear Shifting from Neutral to DriveWhy does my manual gear sometimes slip into neutral?Gear stuck in neutral when engine is runningMazda 3 Gear Shift and Gear IndicatorBroken gear shift?After changing MTF, my truck grinds into every gear. Is this a symptom of a bad transmission? Or just a bad clutch?Grinding while going into gearnot fully shift gear- position between second and neutral










7















I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 5 speed manual. Transmission works great, but one thing I’ve noticed is that when in neutral, the gear shift seems to stick to the left or right. Sometimes it might “crawl” to the center, but not usually. My previous manual transmission car was a 79 Mazda RX-7 and the shifter sprung effortlessly to the center while in neutral, facilitating easy shifting -- especially into/between third and fourth. Is this normal behavior (i.e. different cars act differently) and how complicated is it to add or restore this spring action?










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  • 3





    Yes, the gear stick in a manual should centre itself when in neutral (so as to allow the driver to know where it will be at all times without having to look at it). As DatsonZ1 says, it's likely that the centring springs are worn or broken, but if the stick is stiff to move around it's possible the bushings are old and stiff and preventing the return springs pulling it back to centre.

    – Clonkex
    Apr 15 at 23:03
















7















I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 5 speed manual. Transmission works great, but one thing I’ve noticed is that when in neutral, the gear shift seems to stick to the left or right. Sometimes it might “crawl” to the center, but not usually. My previous manual transmission car was a 79 Mazda RX-7 and the shifter sprung effortlessly to the center while in neutral, facilitating easy shifting -- especially into/between third and fourth. Is this normal behavior (i.e. different cars act differently) and how complicated is it to add or restore this spring action?










share|improve this question







New contributor




bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.















  • 3





    Yes, the gear stick in a manual should centre itself when in neutral (so as to allow the driver to know where it will be at all times without having to look at it). As DatsonZ1 says, it's likely that the centring springs are worn or broken, but if the stick is stiff to move around it's possible the bushings are old and stiff and preventing the return springs pulling it back to centre.

    – Clonkex
    Apr 15 at 23:03














7












7








7








I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 5 speed manual. Transmission works great, but one thing I’ve noticed is that when in neutral, the gear shift seems to stick to the left or right. Sometimes it might “crawl” to the center, but not usually. My previous manual transmission car was a 79 Mazda RX-7 and the shifter sprung effortlessly to the center while in neutral, facilitating easy shifting -- especially into/between third and fourth. Is this normal behavior (i.e. different cars act differently) and how complicated is it to add or restore this spring action?










share|improve this question







New contributor




bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 5 speed manual. Transmission works great, but one thing I’ve noticed is that when in neutral, the gear shift seems to stick to the left or right. Sometimes it might “crawl” to the center, but not usually. My previous manual transmission car was a 79 Mazda RX-7 and the shifter sprung effortlessly to the center while in neutral, facilitating easy shifting -- especially into/between third and fourth. Is this normal behavior (i.e. different cars act differently) and how complicated is it to add or restore this spring action?







transmission manual-transmission






share|improve this question







New contributor




bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question







New contributor




bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question






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bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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asked Apr 15 at 14:27









bvybvy

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bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






bvy is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.







  • 3





    Yes, the gear stick in a manual should centre itself when in neutral (so as to allow the driver to know where it will be at all times without having to look at it). As DatsonZ1 says, it's likely that the centring springs are worn or broken, but if the stick is stiff to move around it's possible the bushings are old and stiff and preventing the return springs pulling it back to centre.

    – Clonkex
    Apr 15 at 23:03













  • 3





    Yes, the gear stick in a manual should centre itself when in neutral (so as to allow the driver to know where it will be at all times without having to look at it). As DatsonZ1 says, it's likely that the centring springs are worn or broken, but if the stick is stiff to move around it's possible the bushings are old and stiff and preventing the return springs pulling it back to centre.

    – Clonkex
    Apr 15 at 23:03








3




3





Yes, the gear stick in a manual should centre itself when in neutral (so as to allow the driver to know where it will be at all times without having to look at it). As DatsonZ1 says, it's likely that the centring springs are worn or broken, but if the stick is stiff to move around it's possible the bushings are old and stiff and preventing the return springs pulling it back to centre.

– Clonkex
Apr 15 at 23:03






Yes, the gear stick in a manual should centre itself when in neutral (so as to allow the driver to know where it will be at all times without having to look at it). As DatsonZ1 says, it's likely that the centring springs are worn or broken, but if the stick is stiff to move around it's possible the bushings are old and stiff and preventing the return springs pulling it back to centre.

– Clonkex
Apr 15 at 23:03











1 Answer
1






active

oldest

votes


















9














Its going to be one of 3 things, its either the shifter bushings, needs an adjustment, or the return springs are worn out. All of those are fairly easy. When you put it in gear is there a lot of movement or does it feel stiff? if it's not stiff then you need bushings. When its in neutral does it feel springy when you move it side to side? if not you need to replace the springs-from what i've read i think this is your problem. Hopefully the linkages on your tranny aren't buried, if they are not then no worries it'll be real easy. Just be very careful when you are taking them apart they are probably plastic and very brittle. You can definitely find a diy if you google enough.
Best of luck!






share|improve this answer























  • Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

    – Solar Mike
    Apr 15 at 14:54











  • I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

    – GdD
    Apr 15 at 15:32











  • @GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

    – DatsunZ1
    Apr 15 at 15:36











  • These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

    – alephzero
    Apr 15 at 17:42











  • Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

    – bvy
    Apr 15 at 19:13











Your Answer








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1 Answer
1






active

oldest

votes








1 Answer
1






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









9














Its going to be one of 3 things, its either the shifter bushings, needs an adjustment, or the return springs are worn out. All of those are fairly easy. When you put it in gear is there a lot of movement or does it feel stiff? if it's not stiff then you need bushings. When its in neutral does it feel springy when you move it side to side? if not you need to replace the springs-from what i've read i think this is your problem. Hopefully the linkages on your tranny aren't buried, if they are not then no worries it'll be real easy. Just be very careful when you are taking them apart they are probably plastic and very brittle. You can definitely find a diy if you google enough.
Best of luck!






share|improve this answer























  • Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

    – Solar Mike
    Apr 15 at 14:54











  • I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

    – GdD
    Apr 15 at 15:32











  • @GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

    – DatsunZ1
    Apr 15 at 15:36











  • These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

    – alephzero
    Apr 15 at 17:42











  • Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

    – bvy
    Apr 15 at 19:13















9














Its going to be one of 3 things, its either the shifter bushings, needs an adjustment, or the return springs are worn out. All of those are fairly easy. When you put it in gear is there a lot of movement or does it feel stiff? if it's not stiff then you need bushings. When its in neutral does it feel springy when you move it side to side? if not you need to replace the springs-from what i've read i think this is your problem. Hopefully the linkages on your tranny aren't buried, if they are not then no worries it'll be real easy. Just be very careful when you are taking them apart they are probably plastic and very brittle. You can definitely find a diy if you google enough.
Best of luck!






share|improve this answer























  • Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

    – Solar Mike
    Apr 15 at 14:54











  • I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

    – GdD
    Apr 15 at 15:32











  • @GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

    – DatsunZ1
    Apr 15 at 15:36











  • These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

    – alephzero
    Apr 15 at 17:42











  • Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

    – bvy
    Apr 15 at 19:13













9












9








9







Its going to be one of 3 things, its either the shifter bushings, needs an adjustment, or the return springs are worn out. All of those are fairly easy. When you put it in gear is there a lot of movement or does it feel stiff? if it's not stiff then you need bushings. When its in neutral does it feel springy when you move it side to side? if not you need to replace the springs-from what i've read i think this is your problem. Hopefully the linkages on your tranny aren't buried, if they are not then no worries it'll be real easy. Just be very careful when you are taking them apart they are probably plastic and very brittle. You can definitely find a diy if you google enough.
Best of luck!






share|improve this answer













Its going to be one of 3 things, its either the shifter bushings, needs an adjustment, or the return springs are worn out. All of those are fairly easy. When you put it in gear is there a lot of movement or does it feel stiff? if it's not stiff then you need bushings. When its in neutral does it feel springy when you move it side to side? if not you need to replace the springs-from what i've read i think this is your problem. Hopefully the linkages on your tranny aren't buried, if they are not then no worries it'll be real easy. Just be very careful when you are taking them apart they are probably plastic and very brittle. You can definitely find a diy if you google enough.
Best of luck!







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered Apr 15 at 14:37









DatsunZ1DatsunZ1

3358




3358












  • Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

    – Solar Mike
    Apr 15 at 14:54











  • I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

    – GdD
    Apr 15 at 15:32











  • @GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

    – DatsunZ1
    Apr 15 at 15:36











  • These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

    – alephzero
    Apr 15 at 17:42











  • Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

    – bvy
    Apr 15 at 19:13

















  • Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

    – Solar Mike
    Apr 15 at 14:54











  • I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

    – GdD
    Apr 15 at 15:32











  • @GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

    – DatsunZ1
    Apr 15 at 15:36











  • These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

    – alephzero
    Apr 15 at 17:42











  • Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

    – bvy
    Apr 15 at 19:13
















Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

– Solar Mike
Apr 15 at 14:54





Mine sits biased to 3&4 which is the centre, light pressure to get 1&2 on the left and 5&6 on the right. So good answer.

– Solar Mike
Apr 15 at 14:54













I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

– GdD
Apr 15 at 15:32





I think you're right on the money when it comes to the reasons, but maybe being a bit dismissive when it comes to difficulty. It could be work getting at these.

– GdD
Apr 15 at 15:32













@GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

– DatsunZ1
Apr 15 at 15:36





@GdD hmm maybe im used to the bushings in my 280z(has a r154/1j in it) and the linkages on my jetta. Both were super accessible which made the job very easy. The actual work is easy as long as you can get to it!

– DatsunZ1
Apr 15 at 15:36













These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

– alephzero
Apr 15 at 17:42





These days the "linkages" may actually be cables. The OP is correct that stick should be "centered" between the 3rd/4th gear positions (i.e. only up and down movement required to get those gears) when in neutral.

– alephzero
Apr 15 at 17:42













Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

– bvy
Apr 15 at 19:13





Just to answer the questions, when in gear, the shifter feels tight and secure. When in neutral, it's workable from side to side, but not springy insofar as it centers itself -- hence my issue.

– bvy
Apr 15 at 19:13










bvy is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.









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