This is a follow-on How to change the gearbox front gear linkage bushes on 1996 – 2000 Volvo S40 and V40.
Step 1
There are another two plastic bushes and two O rings as well as an intermediate bushing.
The part numbers are (UK Prices) :
Bushing 30871696 (£1.80 each) you need two of these
O-ring 30872293 (0.80 each) you need two of these
Bushing 30871712 (£2.75 each) just one of these
This will set you back £9.34 including VAT (UK Prices)
This is substantially more expensive than the front bushing and for me made very little difference so I suggest you check this for excessive wear before replacing.
Picture 1 shows the two bushes for either end
Picture 2 shows the two O-rings
Picture 3 shows the middle bush
Picture 4 shows the centre bush being squeezed to give you an idea of the material, just soft rubber
Step 2
As before jack the car up nice and high
Step 3
Support with an axle stand as shown
Step 4
Look under the car where the gear lever comes down to its linkage and locate the bush we are interested in
Step 5
This is another twin 11mm affair so using spanners/sockets remove the nut
Step 6
Now remove the bolt from the bushing
Step 7
You should be able to ease the linkage away from the bush now, a bit of a wiggle from side to side will make this slide down nicely
Step 8
You now get a good view of the existing end bush and the o ring in place
Step 9
Push the little metal rod out, it should provide little resistance. You can use the a screwdriver or the bolt you removed to push it all the way out
Step 10
Use a flatblade screwdriver to ease the bushing out. There isn’t much force needed and you can do this with your fingernails if you have any
Step 11
Once again with the flatblade screwdriver, run it around the rubber bushing to make sure it’s not stuck to the metal casing
Step 12
Now work round the outside of the rubber pushing the bush out a little at a time
Step 13
This is the old bushing all removed. Apart from a little dirt it isn’t too bad, the metal rod has got some surface rust but nothing too severe.
Compare it to the shiny new kit in picture 2 and you get an idea of how it has worn.
Step 14
Push the middle rubber bush into the gear stick base, it should slide in easily
Step 15
When fitted it should be flush on both sides as shown here
Step 16
Onto your new kit now, place the O rings in the grooves of the outer plastic bushes
Step 17
Insert the bushes into the base of the lever with our intermediate bush
Step 18
Give a little squeeze to make sure everything’s slotted together properly
Step 19
The metal rod needed a little cleaning up, some fine emery paper or (preferably) wire wool does the trick
Step 20
Once cleaned up, insert the rod into the shifter
Step 21
Now refit the rest of the linkage, again wiggle this a little and it should line up nice and easily
Step 22
Insert the bolt back through the newly built bushing
Step 23
Refit and tighten the nut up
As mentioned at the start of the guide, this made little difference for my car (A slightly more ‘notchy’ feel to the gears but just as much play in the gearstick itself) but that’s not to say it isn’t needed on yours.
I suggest you inspect the bush before spending your money, I don’t expect you’ll do any damage by removing the bushings and then putting them back together if you don’t find any play.
If I could do it again I’d remove the bushes and see if the metal rod wiggles in them (Like it did in the guide for the front bushes)
Original posted in Volvo Owners Club Forum
The instructions in this tutorial will work in the following models / years:
– 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 Volvo S40 with Renault gearbox
– 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 Volvo V40 with Renault gearbox