binding shift linkage

[Mark Rinker]

I first noticed it getting stiff when plowing a heavy, wet snow last winter. Then it returned to normal.

Lately, when I move from 'D' back to 'R' or 'P', the resistance is heavy, and sometimes it refuses to move at all.

Looked under the hood at where the steering shaft comes through firewall. Is not my typical Chevy from the 70s setup anymore.

Rolled under the truck to look for the linkage. I see something on the Allision drivers side, a dust boot, and a cable running aft...


What say ye? Where do I point the WD-40 nozzle?

[Kennedy]

Chock the wheels securely.

Then I guess for starters I would pop the cable off the shift lever on the trans and see how the cable does when detached. Also work the linkage independently and see how that goes.

[Mark Rinker]

Its weird. Sometimes its smooth as silk, other times it binds up. I hope its not transmission internal - but my gut says that is exactly where the problem is. The moving parts inside the gear selection process.

All other transmission function seems normal. Sometimes some grinding or clicking when going into park. No slippage or burnt fluid.

This tranny received a horrendous beatdown during the one big wet winter snow we had. I had it stuck a couple times and had no option but to rock it out of its tracks. Not ideal. The first binding I experienced, happened during those sessions...

[DmaxMaverick]

The shift cable is a two-piece. The joint is below the floor, before it passes up through the floor in the driver floorboard. Check the joint and the pass-through for damage/kinks. The cable also makes a 180° turn from the NSBU to the floorboard, so check it for deformations, there. The cable is not expensive, nor too difficult to replace, if that's the cause.

[Mark Rinker]

Thanks for that description.

I'll print this out and hand it to the service tech that will be changing oil/filter, tranny fluid/filter, rotating tires, and spinning on a new fuel filter.

[Kennedy]

All other transmission function seems normal. Sometimes some grinding or clicking when going into park. No slippage or burnt fluid.

This tranny received a horrendous beatdown during the one big wet winter snow we had. I had it stuck a couple times and had no option but to rock it out of its tracks. Not ideal. The first binding I experienced, happened during those sessions...

Could be that some clutches got heated at some point and are now dragging. Especially since starting to run generic tuning.

[Mark Rinker]

Would clutches dragging result in a stiff shifter movement, but no driveability issues?

New cable ordered, not expensive. I guess I'll throw that part at it first.

[DmaxMaverick]

At most, it might cause difficulty going into and out of park. It's much more likely to be an issue with the NSBU, cable or column.

[royalglen]

I had the same problem on an 05 duramax and a new cable should cure it---it will be rusted at the join between the two cables. Tempting to change only half(lower will be corroded) but not worth the chance. Good luck.

[Mark Rinker]

Followup: New cable fixed the issue.

Warning - don't wait to order a new cable if your linkage starts to stiffen up. It took the better part of a work week to come in, and mine locked up stiff at the end. Had to take it loose at the transmission and have a TRUSTING friend shift the truck while I stood on the brake to get me to the shop for repairs. Not ideal.