Lancia Beta Shift Bushing Kit
BACKGROUND INFORATION: Lancia Beta Cars (includes Beta saloon, Beta Coupe, Beta Zagato Spider, Beta HPE) with manual transmissions use a shift linkage assembly connecting the interior console shift lever to the gearbox. This assembly utilizes two large rods and one small 6" long pivot rod. The entire assembly moves together with three large plastic bushings and two small plastic bushings (at each end of the 6" pivot rod). Each large plastic bushing encloses a steel ball stud that allows range of motion for each gear selection. Over time the pressed in factory bushings become brittle and crack, allowing the ball stud to pop out. The factory plastic bushings are the primary cause of linkage problems. The steel shift rods are super strong and do not go bad, it's just the bushings that deteriorate. Once a linkage ball pops out, the shift lever is useless. The factory bushings are no longer available unless the entire rod is purchased. New rods are not only very expensive but also discontinued by Fiat. New old stock (NOS) rods are so old that the plastic bushings are often cracking before the part is even installed. The factory OEM bushings are molded in place to your shift rods with a cap on both sides. The new replacement bushings use a retainer ring circle clip with a serrated outer cup to hold the bushing in the rod. The inside of the bushing is made just like the original, except it is made of a very high density and self-lubricating polymer, similar to delrin. The part should never wear out and it is easy install. The steel shift rods are made of heavy steel and should never wear out. New bushings and a small heim joint restore shift performance. The enclosed kit provides a solution for Beta owners at a reasonable cost.
CONTENTS: This kit contains three large replacement bushings, three circle clip retaining rings, three hex nuts and one small 6" heim joint assembly. The ball stud assembly is first pressed into the new bushing, then the bushing/ball stud unit is pressed into the shift rod and then the circle clip is attached. The two long OEM steel shift rods are not included.
The rear shift rod (Fiat part # 82358107) is approximately 20" long and attaches to the bottom of the console stick shift lever. This rod takes only one large bushing / ball stud.
The forward shift rod can be seen above the transmission bell housing in the engine compartment. This rod is also about 20" long but has a steel "L" welded in 1/3 of the distance from the end. One large bushing/ ball stud is located at the end of the "L" The forward rod also has one large bushing / ball stud at the end, close to the engine compartment firewall. This rod also has an adjustment set screw at the front end.
The small 6" heim joint connects the two large rods together. Each end has a small plastic bushing and ball stud assembly with nut. Your kit contains a new, bolt on assembly.
WARNING! IMPORTANT NOTE: Elevating the front of the car on service ramps or on a lift is the best way to access these components. BE SURE to chock wheels as the car may roll if out of gear!!
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HOW TO REPLACE THE LARGE BUSHINGS: The original factory OEM bushings are molded in place on the shift rods with a cap on both sides. This makes it almost impossible to remove without destroying the plastic. The new design uses a retainer ring circle clip to fit a serrated outer groove to hold the bushing assembly from coming out of the rod. Install the ball stud in the bushing before pressing into the rod.
REAR SHIFT ROD: Take note of the direction of the ball stud assembly. Remove the nut holding the shift rod to the linkage. Remove the old plastic bushing / metal ball stud assembly. This can be done with a small screwdriver or utility knife as old the plastic bushing is often already cracked or broken. Clean the ball stud to remove dirt and grease.
Use a C clamp to press the ball stud into the new large bushing in the kit. A 17MM socket works well behind the rear bushing cap if you only have a small C-clamp available. The plastic may deform slightly as the ball is pressed into the new bushing. The new bushing is self-lubricating and does not require grease of any kind. (Remember that petroleum based grease can attack plastic parts).
AFTER the ball is in the new bushing, press the assembly back into the rod with the C-clamp. A 17MM socket works well behind the rear bushing cap if you only have a small C-clamp available. Remember to press the bushing stud in the same direction (toward the small "L" bracket) side, just like the original. Attach the circle clip retainer ring in the serrated groove and reinstall the nut on the ball stud. Use blue thread locker to reassemble the nut.
FORWARD SHIFT ROD: Take note of the direction of the ball stud assembly. The most forward end of the rod (closest to the radiator) is the adjustment nut. Take note of its position before disassembly. The forward shift rod (20" long) uses two bushings, one on the end and one on the "L" bracket welded 1/3 the distance from the front end. Remove the nuts holding the shift rod to the linkage. Remove rod from the car. Take note of the direction of the ball stud assembly. Remove the old plastic bushing / metal ball stud assembly. This can be done with a small screwdriver or utility knife as old the plastic bushing is often already cracked or broken. Clean the ball stud to remove dirt and grease.
Use a C-clamp to press the ball stud into the new large bushing in the kit. A 17MM socket works well behind the rear bushing cap if you only have a small C-clamp available. The plastic may deform slightly as the ball is pressed into the new bushing. The new bushing is self-lubricating and does not require grease of any kind. (Remember that petroleum based grease can attack plastic parts).
AFTER the ball is in the new bushing, press the assembly back into the rod with the C-clamp. Fitting the new bushing / ball stud assembly into the welded "L" bracket has a tight clearance, but will go in by angling the stud bolt slightly. Remember that the stud bolt faces outward and away from the rod. Attach the circle clip retainer ring in the serrated groove and reinstall the nut on the ball stud. Use blue thread locker to reassemble the nut.
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SMALL 6" HEIM JOINT: The small heim joint connects the two larger shift rods. Remove the old heim joint and examine the condition of the joint bushings. If the unit appears OK, you may want to continue to use the original factory part. Otherwise, simply refit the new joint assembly to replace the old unit. Be sure to use thread locker on the threaded connections. The new joint can be adjusted for length if necessary. It has been matched before shipping to the approximate length of the original part.
ADJUSTING THE LINKAGE: The shift linkage has an adjustment screw / nut assembly on the front end of the forward shift rod (closest to the radiator) Your new assembly my require readjusting of the setting that existed prior to removal of the rods. Lancia engineered this adjustment in transmission linkages to provide for wear. Road test the new shift linkage and check this adjustment. Use blue thread locker to secure the position of the adjustment.
Thank you for reading this instruction sheet. The new kits will help keep Lancia Beta cars on the road. Be sure you CHOCK the wheels before starting work since you will be disconnecting the transmission shifter. Consult the services of a professional shop for installation if necessary. We are not responsible in any way for the installation and performance of this product.
NOTE: Lancia also uses a plastic insert clutch lever bushing and clutch cable adjustment bushing. We recommend checking these items for wear and replacing if necessary. These parts are not included in the shift bushing kit.
KIT $115.00
Phone 856-582-7770
E-Mail mailto:bruces@fiatparts.com