Install: A.KARPIAK Shifter Base Bushing Kit
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From: Orlando, Florida
Install: A.KARPIAK Shifter Base Bushing Kit
In this tutorial, I will be showing how to install the A.KARPIAK Shifter Base Bushing Kit in my xA. This tutorial should be useful for xA, xB, and Toyota Echo owners with manual transmissions.
The Kit:
The A.KARPIAK Shifter Base Bushing Kit consists of 4 metal bushings that are handmade on a manual lathe by a Canadian. :D These bushings are designed to replace the stock rubber bushings that are between the shift assembly base and chassis. Using metal bushings will help improve shifts by preventing shift assembly flex, which leads to more precise shifting. The TRD Quickshift kit already includes metal bushings, but this kit is great for those who have other short shift kits or just want crisper shifts with the stock shifter.
Tools needed:
Socket wrench w/ 6" extension
10mm and 12mm sockets
Philips screwdriver (optional)
Flathead screwdriver (optional)
The Install:
First, take the shift **** off by spinning it counter-clockwise. Place it somewhere safe.
Pop off the rear console cover.
Take the carpet fabric out of the rear cup holder and undo the screw with either a 10mm socket or Philips screwdriver. Place the fabric piece and screw in a safe place.
Pull the boot all the way up to clear the shift rod.
While holding the rear with one hand, pull the front of the console upward.
There are two white fasteners in the front of the console. Make sure they are attached to the console. Place the console in a safe place.
Using a 12mm socket wrench w/ extension, unbolt these 4 bolts and place them in a safe place.
Use a screwdriver to pop out the inner sleeves on the bushings
Once the metal sleeves are out, remove the rubber bushings. I used the finger-peeling method.
Comparison
Once all of the rubber bushings are taken out, insert the A.KARPIAK metal bushings from under the base.
When you're done putting in the metal bushings, line up the base with the designated holes and bolt it back into place. I tightened them to mikochu-spec. But for you sticklers out there, the 4 bolts should be torqued to 9 ft.-lbs.
Once the bolts are tightened, reinstall the console. Wipe the sweat off your forehead and tidy up. Now you can go through the shifts without the flex, YAY!
I've only had them installed for a day, but going through the gears feels so much more robust. Instead of flexing, the shifter feels like it is actually hitting a wall. These bushings are a must!
If you have any questions, please post here, pm, or email me.
The Kit:
The A.KARPIAK Shifter Base Bushing Kit consists of 4 metal bushings that are handmade on a manual lathe by a Canadian. :D These bushings are designed to replace the stock rubber bushings that are between the shift assembly base and chassis. Using metal bushings will help improve shifts by preventing shift assembly flex, which leads to more precise shifting. The TRD Quickshift kit already includes metal bushings, but this kit is great for those who have other short shift kits or just want crisper shifts with the stock shifter.
Tools needed:
Socket wrench w/ 6" extension
10mm and 12mm sockets
Philips screwdriver (optional)
Flathead screwdriver (optional)
The Install:
First, take the shift **** off by spinning it counter-clockwise. Place it somewhere safe.
Pop off the rear console cover.
Take the carpet fabric out of the rear cup holder and undo the screw with either a 10mm socket or Philips screwdriver. Place the fabric piece and screw in a safe place.
Pull the boot all the way up to clear the shift rod.
While holding the rear with one hand, pull the front of the console upward.
There are two white fasteners in the front of the console. Make sure they are attached to the console. Place the console in a safe place.
Using a 12mm socket wrench w/ extension, unbolt these 4 bolts and place them in a safe place.
Use a screwdriver to pop out the inner sleeves on the bushings
Once the metal sleeves are out, remove the rubber bushings. I used the finger-peeling method.
Comparison
Once all of the rubber bushings are taken out, insert the A.KARPIAK metal bushings from under the base.
When you're done putting in the metal bushings, line up the base with the designated holes and bolt it back into place. I tightened them to mikochu-spec. But for you sticklers out there, the 4 bolts should be torqued to 9 ft.-lbs.
Once the bolts are tightened, reinstall the console. Wipe the sweat off your forehead and tidy up. Now you can go through the shifts without the flex, YAY!
I've only had them installed for a day, but going through the gears feels so much more robust. Instead of flexing, the shifter feels like it is actually hitting a wall. These bushings are a must!
If you have any questions, please post here, pm, or email me.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,525
From: Orlando, Florida
You can contact Andrew Karpiak at karpiaka@hotmail.com. I believe they are $27 USD and $30 CAD with free shipping. He accepts PayPal, but I would e-mail him before you send money. Also, the bushings are made-to-order, so it may take a week to receive from the time of order.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,525
From: Orlando, Florida
Yeah, just contact Andrew at karpiaka@hotmail.com.
Like I said before, they are made-to-order by a Canadian!
Like I said before, they are made-to-order by a Canadian!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Orlando, Florida
Originally Posted by TEASER
Ok so ill have to get the specs myself..................
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Originally Posted by mikochu
Originally Posted by TEASER
Ok so ill have to get the specs myself..................
Good info in any case......>
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3
i am not going to just post the dimensions that i took the time to figure out...but i know not everyone has a lathe or even the skill to make these!!
if you are looking for dimensions, there are a few considerations when taking the dimensions from the stock rubber parts!
andrew
if you are looking for dimensions, there are a few considerations when taking the dimensions from the stock rubber parts!
andrew
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 139
From: SoCal
let me get this straight... so the metal bushings prevent the shift assembly base from moving around at the point of contact with the car chasis? since the shift assembly base is made of plastic, it would still flex a little right? did this make a humongous difference? tiny difference? on a scale of 1-10 what would you say?
Originally Posted by rhin0sb
let me get this straight... so the metal bushings prevent the shift assembly base from moving around at the point of contact with the car chasis? since the shift assembly base is made of plastic, it would still flex a little right? did this make a humongous difference? tiny difference? on a scale of 1-10 what would you say?
Originally Posted by mikochu
I've only had them installed for a day, but going through the gears feels so much more robust. Instead of flexing, the shifter feels like it is actually hitting a wall. These bushings are a must!
