This is what happens to the Vanagon gearshift shifter ball and socket after about 150,000 miles. EXIT
The spring is inside the ball. It keeps the linkage joint tight by forcing the upper and lower halves to continually press on the socket. When it breaks, the ball separates and shifting suddenly gets very sloppy, but the van is still drivable. Here is what the broken assembly looks like: |
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To be well adjusted for reverse gear, the tab on the horizontal rod must ride under the stationary tab. |
