TT.MK1 Speed Source Transmission Bushings
From QuattroWorld Wiki
Speed Source Shifter Cable Bushing Kit
This is a relatively easy and very inexpensive mod that will make the shift feel a bit more crisp and direct. The kit is available from Speed Source. Install is very straightforward, figure half an hour to do and requires minimal tools, a few screwdrivers and a knife. These instructions are intended to supplement the installation instructions that come with the kit. Please read and follow those instructions as my installation is slightly different since I have a Diselgeek short shifter kit.
Overall, shifting feels smoother than before the mod with no negative side effects. This was installed on a quattro 6-speed transmission with the original Dieselgeek short shifter. The transmission has 128k miles and is currently filled with Amsoil GL4.
Note: There are at least two different transmission linkage cables in use on the TT, one has square ends and is held in place by a small metal clip, the other has round ends and is held onto the transmission linkage with a ball and socket. This mod will only work with the square cable ends.
Note: This mod is destructive. You will need to cut the old bushings out of the cable ends to install the new inserts. You will not be able to reuse the old rubber bushings. If you are not happy with the results of this mod you will need to buy new cable ends.
In the picture below the cable end on the right is the one that is compatible with the Speed-Source bushings.
The kit includes the two bushing inserts as well as the necessary retaining clips. Note that one bushing has a larger diameter hole. The pins on the shift linkage are different diameter as well, make sure you assemble everything correctly.
The Speed Source instructions have you mark off where the cable ends are on the linkage so that you can reassemble everything correctly. If the cable ends are put together different than when you started it can be difficult to shift or you may be unable to get to some gears entirely. I still have the special tool included with the Dieselgeek kit so I used the Dieselgeek instructions to realign my shift mechanism after the install. This is much more precise than marking the cables prior to disassembly.
Start by unclipping the retaining clip from the cable ends. The clip is held in place by a button that protrudes through the top of the clip. Slide a screwdriver in to the center of the clip and gently pry up while pushing it off. Do NOT lose these two clips, if you do you won't be able to reassemble the shift linkage. Here you can see the clip still in place.
The spring is compressed by squeezing the knurled part back against the cable end and rotating it to lock in place. Watch your fingers on this step since the spring can easily come loose and bite. Here you can see the spring compressed and locked and the clip removed. The cable end can then be lifted off of the post and slid off the cable.
The old bushing needs to be removed so that the new shiny insert can be installed. I cut the lip of the old bushing off to make it easier to push through. Be careful, knives are sharp.
Here you can see the cable end with the old bushing removed. When removing the bushing be careful to not damage the plastic corner reinforcements, those are required to keep the new insert in place. The old rubber bushing is molded around those plastic pieces so be sure you don't snap them or cut them when pushing the old bushing out.
And here is the new insert in place and ready to be reinstalled. The orientation does not seem to matter but as mentioned above they do need to match the diameter on the shift linkage pins. Also, now is a good time to install the retaining clips included in the clip. You'll also want to lube the shift linkage pins prior to installing the cable ends with the new inserts. I used Mobil 1 synthetic lube but something like anti-seize would work well too.
And finally here are the cable ends reinstalled. The spring clips have been released and the shifter has been aligned using the Dieselgeek special tool and instructions.
