Sticky 2001 F53 Automatic Transmission Linkage

[prsmith]

Good morning everyone,

I am finding that the shifter on my 2001 F53 20,500 lb chassis is becoming stiff - so much so that my wife has problems shifting it.

I am also finding that when in Park my rig often will not start and I have to play with the shifter to engage the 'start switch' - probably another symptom of poor lubrication

Does anyone have recommendations for shifter linkage lube points? How do I get at them and what lube should I use?

Thanks,

Preston

[Stump Jumper]

I have the same problem with my 2000 Bounder, minus the starting problem. But the shift handle seems to be much harder to move than it should. I am going to climb under the motorhome tonight and see if there are any exposed areas on the shift cable or where the shift cable attaches to the transmission that need lubed. I will let you know if I have any luck.

[prsmith]

Thanks Stump!

I am looking forward to your reply - mine is getting more difficult as time goes on

Preston

[Stump Jumper]

Preston,
Finally got a chance to get under the motorhome tonight. I sprayed an exposed section of the shift cable (about 4") near the transmission with white lithium grease. I could not find any other exposed points on the shift cable to lube. It seems like it is encased everywhere else. The lube seemed to help the shifter to move easier, but just a little. I think that we might need to attack the problem from the other end, starting at the steering column. If you could get some oil into the shift cable at that end, it would lubricate the entire length of the cable. Good luck.

[JimM68]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stump Jumper I think that we might need to attack the problem from the other end, starting at the steering column. If you could get some oil into the shift cable at that end, it would lubricate the entire length of the cable. Good luck.

I haven't looked at this area of my F53, but usually a column shifted linkage starts with a rotating sleeve inside and running the length of the steering column. The shift lever turns one end, and a small arm sticking out the side of the column somewhere pulls the linkage or cable.

Look at the column itself, the very end outside the firewall, or possibly low down inside the coach under the dash. The neutral safety switch should be attached to the top of the column tube under there somewhere too.

[Stump Jumper]

Jim,
On my Bounder, any exposed cable would have to be between the bottom of the steering column and the inside floor of the coach, under the dash. The entire cable is cased from where it comes out of the floor up by the firewall to the 4" area that is exposed by the transmission. I will take another look at it tonight from the inside and see if I can find a lubrication point. Thanks.

[Stump Jumper]

Checked the inside tonight and couldn't find any points where the cable could be lubricated without taking apart the steering column. I think that I will just live with it like it is unless it gets worse.