212325 - Subaru Shifter Linkage Bushings

2004-2021 Subaru STI
2002-2014 Subaru WRX
2005-2009 Legacy GT, Legacy GT Spec B
2004-2008 Forester XT
2005-2008 Outback XT

Congratulations on your purchase of the COBB Tuning Subaru Shifter Linkage Bushings! The following instructions will assist you through the installation process. Please read them BEFORE beginning the install to familiarize yourself with the steps and tools needed. If you feel you cannot properly perform this installation, we HIGHLY recommend you take the vehicle to a qualified and experienced automotive technician.

[ 1 Parts List ] [ 2 Tools Needed ] [ 2.1 Sockets ] [ 2.1.1 3/8" ] [ 2.2 Hand Tools ] [ 2.3 Misc. ] [ 2.4 Wrenches ] [ 3 Linkage Removal ] [ 4 Bushing Replacement ]

Parts List

Tools Needed

Sockets

3/8"

3/8" ratchet
3/8" 12" extension
3/8" 6" extension
3/8" 12mm socket
3/8" 14mm socket
3/8" 17mm socket
3/8" 12mm deep socket
3/8" 14mm deep socket

Hand Tools

Phillips head screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
3mm Allen Key
7mm Nut Driver
Trim removal tool
Pick
Needlenose pliers
Channel Lock Pliers
Deadblow Hammer
Punch

Misc.

14mm offset wrench
Oxygen Sensor Wrench
Hose cutter
Drain pan
Spill-Free coolant bleeding funnel

Wrenches

12mm combination wrench

Linkage Removal

In some cases you’re able to drop the transmission down far enough to disassemble the linkage on the car. But in many cases you’ll need to pop the roll pin out that holds the linkage to the transmission. If they’re old they may be unusable again or shatter in the process so it’s advisable to either have a new one handy, or simply replace it with an m8 bolt.

Park your car in a flat, level area and jack it up. Allow it to cool down before crawling under.
Using a 12mm wrench, undo the cover holding the front shifter bushing on.
Pop the bushing and arm off of the stud on the transmission. This should get you more access to the linkage and the pin on the transmission.
Support the transmission with a jack and remove the 2 m14 nuts holding it to the transmission mount and the 4 17mm bolts holding it to the chassis.
See how far the transmission comes down. There will either be a bolt through the linkage going to the transmission, or in some cases a solid pin that will need to be ground off. If you have room to remove the bolt you’re in luck! Skip to the next section. If not continue down to step 4.

Pinned Version, needs to be ground off

Bolted Version

There was no way this one was making it out
Undo the bolt on the rear part of the linkage (the shifter side) using two 12mm wrenches, or a 12mm wrench and a ratchet with an extension and 12mm socket.
Using a punch, knock the middle of the pin upwards and out of the linkage, then do the outer portion. Once they’re out inspect them for wear.
Mark the linkage on the end going towards the transmission and which side is up vs down (They’re not symmetrical) Slide the linkage off of the transmission (may need some wiggling).

Bushing Replacement

If you weren’t able to do it in the car, disassemble the linkage now. Grinding out the pin if needed.
With the linkage free, remove all 4 bushings from it as well as the two pins.
Now is a good time to clean it up with some brake cleaner or parts cleaner.
Apply a small amount of the provided silicon grease to the outside of all 4 Delrin bushings, then install them into the linkage.
Apply the grease again to the outside of the new pins, then slide them into each side. One side is noticeably longer than the other so use the appropriate side pin in each location.
Add this back to the fork for the transmission linkage. If it was attached with the solid pin, you can replace it with the provided m8x60mm bolt and lock washer. Or if bolted you can use the factory hardware.
Reinstall into the car, attaching it to the transmission with an OEM pin, or other method (we used a bolt with a lockwasher and loctite, while not factory, it becomes infinitely more serviceable)
You should be good to reassemble the car and go out to enjoy!