Shift linkage

[tturley]

The shift linkage on my 40 Lasalle occasionally gets in a bind and I have to open the hood and pull it loose.
Any ideas for a remedy?
Any help is appreciated.

[gary griffin]

You probably need either adjustment or new grommets in the shifting linkage. The grommets are available at Steele Rubber and probably other places. As I recall they are rubber doughnuts with metal sleeves in them about the size of a quarter.  Easy fix as I recall. See how much play there is in them, they are in every movable joint in the linkage.

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

No replaceable grommets in 40.  That starts in 41.  Pg 47 in the 40 shop manual describes how to adjust the shifting linkage.

[gary griffin]

Thanks Brad, I should have went out to the garage and opened the hood of my LaSalle.  I have never had a column shift without grommets so I incorrectly assumed they were standard in shifting linkage, especially since my 1942 has them.  Brad you have been a fountain of knowledge and assistance and I want to thank you!

[tturley]

Oh oh
I ordered a set from Steele last night. They listed them for a 40.
Is it possible that they were used on late built 40s ?

[gary griffin]

Tom,

  I just did what I should have done earlier, I went out to the garage and viewed the shift linkage on my 1940  LaSalle  5019.   

   I saw no bushings!  The steering shaft protruded into the engine compartment low on the drivers side and there are two arms protruding to the right about 6 inches to the right they connect to linkage coming up form the transmission. If there were bushings they would start at that location.

   So sorry if I mislead you, and Steele too? 

   I would guess cleaning and lubricating the joints and adjusting them would solve your problem. Brad was right on the spot as he usually is.

[John Washburn CLC 1067 Sadly deceased.]

I would suggest you use the tool, J 1204 to adjust. This is what that tool is for.

I've reproduced these.

The Johnny

[tturley]

How can I get one ?

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

Tom,

Steele has many things wrong related to 40 and 41 items and they will not correct it.  From quick memory the throttle pedal rubber is another item.

[tturley]

WOW
I guess we should all sent the parts back and demand a refund so they would pay attention!