Triple rail linkage bushes

[jackharper]

Hi all, I recently replaced the bushes in my Toledo's triple rail gearbox shifter linkage mechanism as it was feeling like a wooden spoon in a bowl of porridge to change gears.

I replaced the rubber bushes (which had deteriorated somewhat) with new ones, but I'm still not happy with the play in the gearstick.

I think the problem resides in the fact that rubber is used at all in the linkage and allows for some play side to side!

This is the sort of kit I bought:



What i'm wondering is has anyone ever used solid (metal) bushes for this linkage? Would it work to eliminate the play? I guess you'd end up with more vibrations, but maybe a "tighter" feeling gear change?

Thanks in advance and sorry for so many silly questions recently

[cliftyhanger]

Where did you buy the kit from? Most are notoriously poor.
Canley classics have all teh parts made locally, and to a better specification. So it may be worth getting a kit from them.

[jackharper]

ebay - I won't name the seller but i'm guessing the rubber wasn't really hard enough (at least for the and that's why it flexes causing play... though i still wonder if it'd really be that bad with a solid bush...? For this bit:



Either way will get one of canley classic's kits bought!

[cliftyhanger]

ebay - I won't name the seller but i'm guessing the rubber wasn't really hard enough (at least for the and that's why it flexes causing play... though i still wonder if it'd really be that bad with a solid bush...? For this bit:



Either way will get one of canley classic's kits bought!

Hopefully the canley one will be a big improvement.
I wouldn't use metal, maybe nylon or similar. Easier to machine too.