2d Shift Shaft Support

mbarruda

mbarruda

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On my 4 seat DD car with a Mendeola 2d transaxle, the gear shift shaft goes from the shifter to the transaxle (obviously) but with no support between those 2 points. This causes a gear oil leak in the nose cone oil seal.

What is good way to add support to this shaft? I've tried to look for a product on kartek but i haven't been able to find anything.

Thanks
 
I've seen people mount a heim joint somewhere along the path to the rear for support.IMG_2140.png
 
The problem with the heim joint is that it is not sealed and sand gets in there, grinding and binding up the shift shaft over time.

Weddle sells a sealed linear bearing carrier that can be mounted to the chassis and support the shaft. It also has a zerk fitting to grease it. These are not available to purchase online, you would need to call Ron or send an e-mail to info@weddleindustries.com and they can assemble one and ship it to you. They are a bit pricey at around $100 and requires another set of u-joints (4 total), but offers the best support and actuation between the shifter and transmission.

Shift Linkage Guide Block.JPG
 
Also, there are bushings in the nosecone that wear down and require replacement. They are a total pain in the ass to replace, but will help alleviate the leaking seal.
 
Sean,

Thanks! I'll send an email later today. How far away from the transaxle should that be mounted?

Is replacing the bushing in the nosecone something that needs to be done by a professional shop?
 
mbarruda said:
Sean,

Thanks! I'll send an email later today. How far away from the transaxle should that be mounted?

Is replacing the bushing in the nosecone something that needs to be done by a professional shop?
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Support should be mounted as close to the transaxle as possible to get the best support for the shift shaft coming out of the nosecone.

Bushings the nosecone are easy to access once the nosecone is off the trans, but they are a real pain in the butt to replace without good tools to remove and install them.
 
SeanRitchie said:
Support should be mounted as close to the transaxle as possible to get the best support for the shift shaft coming out of the nosecone.

Bushings the nosecone are easy to access once the nosecone is off the trans, but they are a real pain in the butt to replace without good tools to remove and install them.
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Thanks again Sean. Going to add this to the summer project list.
 
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Rockwood said:
dansperformanceparts.com

WELD-ON STEERING SHAFT MOUNT WITH NEEDLE BEARINGS / 3/4in SHAFT / EACH - Dan's Performance Parts

Part Number 14-425017-3B: 3/4in WELD-ON STEERING SHAFT MOUNT NEEDLE BEARINGS / EACH
dansperformanceparts.com dansperformanceparts.com

Doesn't have a grease fitting, but I've had this for my steering for 6 seasons now, zero issues.
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That's a nice piece, but only meant for shaft rotation. The needle roller bearings aren't the best for in/out motion shaft motion.

The Weddle carrier uses linear motion bearings to allow rotation and in/out shaft motion. They are actually the same bearings from the 091 nosecones.
 
SeanRitchie said:
That's a nice piece, but only meant for shaft rotation. The needle roller bearings aren't the best for in/out motion shaft motion.

The Weddle carrier uses linear motion bearings to allow rotation and in/out shaft motion. They are actually the same bearings from the 091 nosecones.
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Derp. Yeah, didn't take shaft thrust (hehe) into consideration.
 
@SeanRitchie Would you happen to know the distance the shaft moves front to back when going from 1st to 2nd or 3rd to 4th? I measured 22mm. Does that sound right?
 
mbarruda said:
@SeanRitchie Would you happen to know the distance the shaft moves front to back when going from 1st to 2nd or 3rd to 4th? I measured 22mm. Does that sound right?
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I'm not sure, I've never measured that travel before. Taking a measurement from 1st to 2nd on your exiting trans would be sufficient.
 
The best way to support the gear shift shaft is by installing a bearing support bracket between the shifter and the transaxle. The Cylindrical roller bearing will help reduce the lateral movement of the shaft, which is likely contributing to the leak at the nose cone oil seal. You’ll want a support bearing that can accommodate the shaft’s diameter and allow it to rotate smoothly without causing additional stress on the seal. Choose a bearing with the appropriate dimensions. A sealed NN 3024 TN9/SPCNW33 bearing would be ideal to prevent dirt or debris from entering and causing wear. You could use a flanged bearing to easily bolt it into a bracket, or a simple plain bearing if you don’t need high-speed rotation.
 
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After thinking about it for a while and realizing the issues of dirt over time and the shaft having to constantly going back and forth and possibly causing other issues. What about a simple 2” long piece of angle iron put two small pieces of teflon on both sides and install it so it just supports the shaft a bit?
 
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John@Outfront said:
After thinking about it for a while and realizing the issues of dirt over time and the shaft having to constantly going back and forth and possibly causing other issues. What about a simple 2” long piece of angle iron put two small pieces of teflon on both sides and install it so it just supports the shaft a bit?
Click to expand...
Less is more. I like it. Simple and wont interfere with removing the shaft from nosecone or reinstalling the tranny.
 
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