Shift linkage lubrication? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Matt B · 02-21-2023

Every time I take my ZR for a ride I recognize that moving the shift stick feels heavy. In particular shifting into 3rd gear sometimes is hard as there is a lot of resistance in the system.
I remember Jerry once told me there is some chance to lubricate the linkage but I can't find his email.
What can I do to make shifting motion less "sticky"?

I have neither issues with my gearbox itself nor the clutch. It's just the way the gear lever behaves...

Btw I'm using the Amsoil MTF recommended by Marc. Not sure if a switch to 10W60 would help?

secondchance · 02-21-2023

Matt,

ZF6 linkages are internal and as far as I know cannot be lubricated.
I suggest a call or email Bill Beadreu - aka zfdoc.
He owns a C4 ZR-1 with a LS engine.

http://www.zfdoc.com/faq.htm

Thomas ZR-1 · 02-22-2023

Bill recommends the Castrol Edge 10W60...have it in my ZF for about 10 years now...perfect!

Matt B · 02-22-2023

Danke, Thomas. I'm considering to change the fluid during the next maintenance session. Looking forward to find out whether this will improve the situation!
Hope so!

Mikey · 02-22-2023

Matt,
I haven't had my shifter apart but assuming it's the same or similar to my '94 LT1 car that I installed a short throw shifter into once upon a time, then there are some moving parts and possibly a bushing that are accessible from the top. You just have to remove the center console, a plate under that and the lower shift boot then you can see some things. The shifter cross pin you probably can't get out unless you're under the car.

Some videos from the old Hurst version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvWDppPpBSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo6HXYIXSWI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKulzo1t9kY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEEsuBI-L8Y

Regarding fluid, I don't try to outsmart the OEM. Stick with AC Delco GM Synchromesh fluid. Engineers design and test to very specific fluid properties. So unless your box has been redesigned or modified and now requires a different spec fluid, just follow the FSM.

lfalzarano · 02-23-2023

Change the the transmission fluid!

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

Matt B · 02-25-2023

Where do I get the GM stuff? I remember that it was discontinued?

I'll try 10W60 next, it's a quick and easy change so it's worth a try.
My box is completely stock, no modifications.

Mikey, thanks for the videos. I'll try that, too!

Mikey · 02-25-2023

GM 1052931 was replaced by AC Delco 88900333 I do believe. Readily available. Note the trans called for 5W30 not 10W60.

Also make sure you can get the fill plug out before you remove the drain. Bubba likes to round off the hex key way. 17mm I believe it is. Been awhile.

02-21-2023	#1
Matt B Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Beautiful Bavaria Posts: 523	Shift linkage lubrication? Every time I take my ZR for a ride I recognize that moving the shift stick feels heavy. In particular shifting into 3rd gear sometimes is hard as there is a lot of resistance in the system. I remember Jerry once told me there is some chance to lubricate the linkage but I can't find his email. What can I do to make shifting motion less "sticky"? I have neither issues with my gearbox itself nor the clutch. It's just the way the gear lever behaves... Btw I'm using the Amsoil MTF recommended by Marc. Not sure if a switch to 10W60 would help? __________________ ZR-1 #638/1991 Last edited by Matt B; 02-21-2023 at 05:28 PM.

02-21-2023	#2
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,730	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? Matt, ZF6 linkages are internal and as far as I know cannot be lubricated. I suggest a call or email Bill Beadreu - aka zfdoc. He owns a C4 ZR-1 with a LS engine. http://www.zfdoc.com/faq.htm

02-22-2023	#3
Thomas ZR-1 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Germany Posts: 239	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? Bill recommends the Castrol Edge 10W60...have it in my ZF for about 10 years now...perfect! __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Best thing in life is a ZR-1 ride

02-22-2023	#4
Matt B Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Beautiful Bavaria Posts: 523	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? Danke, Thomas. I'm considering to change the fluid during the next maintenance session. Looking forward to find out whether this will improve the situation! Hope so! __________________ ZR-1 #638/1991

02-22-2023	#5
Mikey Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 355	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? Matt, I haven't had my shifter apart but assuming it's the same or similar to my '94 LT1 car that I installed a short throw shifter into once upon a time, then there are some moving parts and possibly a bushing that are accessible from the top. You just have to remove the center console, a plate under that and the lower shift boot then you can see some things. The shifter cross pin you probably can't get out unless you're under the car. Some videos from the old Hurst version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvWDppPpBSo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo6HXYIXSWI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKulzo1t9kY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEEsuBI-L8Y Regarding fluid, I don't try to outsmart the OEM. Stick with AC Delco GM Synchromesh fluid. Engineers design and test to very specific fluid properties. So unless your box has been redesigned or modified and now requires a different spec fluid, just follow the FSM.

02-23-2023	#6
lfalzarano Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Clayton, North Carolina Posts: 1,133	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? Change the the transmission fluid! Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

02-25-2023	#7
Matt B Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Beautiful Bavaria Posts: 523	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? Where do I get the GM stuff? I remember that it was discontinued? I'll try 10W60 next, it's a quick and easy change so it's worth a try. My box is completely stock, no modifications. Mikey, thanks for the videos. I'll try that, too! __________________ ZR-1 #638/1991

02-25-2023	#8
Mikey Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 355	Re: Shift linkage lubrication? GM 1052931 was replaced by AC Delco 88900333 I do believe. Readily available. Note the trans called for 5W30 not 10W60. Also make sure you can get the fill plug out before you remove the drain. Bubba likes to round off the hex key way. 17mm I believe it is. Been awhile. Last edited by Mikey; 02-25-2023 at 05:44 PM.