Installing Deisel Geek Cable saver shifter Bushings in an Audi TT
If you drive an Audi TT, you may have noticed that the shifter bushings can wear out over time, making it difficult to select gears. In some cases, like the one we’re dealing with here, the shift cable may completely detach from the shift lever. Don’t worry, though, with a bit of patience and know-how, you can fix this problem yourself. Here’s how:
- Remove the driver’s seat. Slide the seat all the way forward and use a hex key to remove the two rear bolts. Then, slide the seat all the way back and remove the two plastic covers from the rails. Afterward, remove the front two bolts. Carefully tilt the seat back and remove the three electrical connectors from the seat. Finally, remove the seat from the car.
- Remove the rear center panel. Use a trim removal tool to pry out the speaker grill. There should be four bolts here that need to be removed. Then, carefully pry around the perimeter of the panel to remove it. Note that you’ll need to tilt the passenger seat forward or remove it to get access. Be careful with the storage compartment door when removing the panel.
- Remove the console panel and cup holders. Use a trim tool to remove the panel in front of the E-brake. Carefully remove the airbag warning light and tuck it in the hole to be removed later. To remove the cup holders, flip up the bottom protectors to access the screws, then use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the two screws. After that, pop off the cup holder with a trim tool. Be extra careful when rotating the cup holder as there is a connector underneath. Use a number one Phillips to remove the two screws holding the connector to the cup holder. Finally, remove the two screws that are now exposed.
- Remove the truss bars at the front of the center console. Remove the four torx screws holding the truss bar on each side. Pop out the panel under the E-brake. Remove the two switch panels and carefully disconnect the wiring harness. Note the position and color coding for reassembly.
- Remove the console. Carefully lift the console out starting at the rear. The front will need to be spread apart lightly to clear the bosses where the truss bars were attached.
- Remove the shift knob and surround. Unscrew the shift knob from the lever. It is not necessary to remove the shift boot. Remove the four bolts holding the boot tower to the shift bracket and lift it off. Afterward, remove the bolts and nuts holding the center console mounting plate to the floor.
- Install front-to-back cable and bushings. Remove the screw holding the bell crank mechanism in place. Separate it from the spring. Remove the old bushing and install the new Diesel Geek version. Reinstall the clip. Remove the two screws holding the shifter retainer plate. Find the one spot where the shifter will twist out. Diesel Geek has a video showing the correct twist. Work through the holes in the side of the shifter bracket to clean any of the old bushing material.
- Use a hole saw to make a 1 ¼ inch hole in the side of the shifter housing that will allow access to the shifter bushing with the lever partially installed. You will work through this hole to attach the cable end and install the C clip.
- Install the new Diesel Geek parts and slip the shifter back into position. Hold it so that it’s aligned with the hole you sawed and slip the cable end into position. Then, install the C clip. Secure the shifter back in place and test that it goes into all the forward gears.
- Reinstall the tower and the shift knob. Test that the reverse gear works when the knob is pushed down.
- Carefully reinstall the interior trim pieces. Be sure to reconnect all the wiring that was disconnected during disassembly.
- Reinstall the seat and test the gear selection again.
