Do you hear strange noises like clunks or knocks, while shifting gears in your Land Rover? If so, worn gear selector bushings are likely the cause of those sounds. So does letting this component wear out also affect how comfortably your luxury SUV glides on the road? Let’s look at what these bushings do, what happens when they wear down, and where you should take your Land Rover if you want to restore the smooth gear shifting that the vehicle was built for.
What Does the Bushing In a Gear Selector Do?
The bushing in your Land Rovers gear selector is a small but important component meant to hold the shifter in the transmission system. They help to cushion the gear stick as you move it along the shifting linkage so that you can shift the gears without any abrupt movement. Without this bushing, any shift in gears is rough, rigid, and noisy, so you may not get the smooth shift that you’d expect to get from a car as luxurious as a Land Rover.
How Bushing Failure Impacts on the Comfort of the Ride
- Shifting Inconsistencies That Lead to Jerky Movements: One of the first signs of a faulty gear selector bushing is that the car’s shift becomes irregular. It may produce a jerk or a forward movement of the car when shifting from one gear to the next. This jerk can be very unpleasant and make the ride more uncomfortable.
- Increased Stress on the Transmission: When the gear selector bushing is not functioning properly, other components of the transmission system are forced to do more. Heightened load may cause harsh shifting that makes the car less responsive and steady, especially when driven at higher speeds or over uneven ground. The additional load over time creates serious problems with the transmission, increases the repair costs, and the quality of the ride.
- Vibration and Noise: Another symptom that may be exhibited by a faulty bushing is high levels of vibration and noise within the cabin. Since the bushing usually takes care of some shock and friction that occur when shifting, its absence means vibrations will pass through the chassis. This transforms a relatively smooth and quiet Land Rover, into a noisier and bumpier ride. This diminishes the comfort you would expect to be associated with the brand.
- Impact on Off-Roading Capabilities: Most Land Rover owners prefer to buy these vehicles for their ability to handle off-road challenges. If you have a worn-out bushing, you will understand the impact once you go off-road. Gear shifting, especially when driving on rough terrain, must be as accurate as possible, but a faulty bushing will make this more difficult. When driving off-road, the rate at which you change gears determines the control you have over steep hills, sharp rocks, or even muddy ground.
- Potential for Further Damage: While a slipping or worn-out gear selector bushing could be a minor issue in the beginning, it can be a sign of something worse if left unattended. The extra stress that the transmission and shifter experience can make other parts wear out even faster. In the long run, it will result in costly repairs and can have an impact on other parts of your Land Rover’s drivetrain, since the latter is responsible for the ride quality and performance.
- Safety Concerns: In more extreme cases, a bushing can become completely worn out and cause the gears to slip, which means your Land Rover could pop out of gear at any time. This may cause an accident if while driving at high speeds or when entering the highways.
Come To The Land Rover Experts At Escondido German Auto
If you think your Land Rover has a problem with gear selector bushing, do not hesitate to bring it to our shop. Our experts at Escondido German Auto are always prepared to make sure your Land Rover runs like a well-oiled machine to give you a smooth ride for many more miles. We have our workshop in Escondido, CA, but you can bring your vehicle to us if you reside in nearby areas like Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA. Please get in touch with us for a professional consultation and superior service.