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NA Mazda Miata shifter

How to Rebuild NA Miata Shifter

If you’re ready to rebuild your NA Mazda Miata shifter and upgrade to a more precise feel, having the right tools and parts is key. Below is a list of all the essential tools and materials you’ll need for the job, along with affiliate product recommendations. These products will help ensure a smooth, hassle-free rebuild experience.

Tools and Parts You Will Need:

  1. Bronze Shifter Bushing Kit (upper and lower bronze bushings)

    • For an upgrade from the stock plastic bushings, a bronze bushing kit offers durability and precision, improving the feel of your shifter. This kit typically includes the upper and lower bushings that replace the worn-out stock parts.

  2. 10mm and 14mm Socket Wrench Set

    • You’ll need a good socket wrench set to remove and reinstall bolts on the center console and shifter assembly. A set with both 10mm and 14mm sizes is essential for this job.

  3. Phillips Screwdriver

    • To remove the screws holding the center console in place, a reliable Phillips screwdriver is needed. Make sure you have one that’s comfortable and easy to handle.

  4. Flathead Screwdriver

    • A flathead screwdriver is useful for carefully prying off trim pieces, such as the center console trim. Be gentle to avoid damaging plastic parts.

  5. Torque Wrench

    • When reassembling the shifter, it’s important to use a torque wrench to ensure the bolts are tightened to the proper specifications (typically 13-16 ft-lbs for this project). A torque wrench ensures everything is secured without over-tightening.

  6. Lithium or Moly Grease

    • Lithium or moly grease is essential for lubricating the new bronze bushings. A small amount of grease will help the shifter move smoothly and reduce wear over time.

  7. Gear Oil (Optional, but recommended for refilling the turret)

    • If the shifter turret contains old or dirty oil, it’s a good idea to refill it with fresh GL-4 gear oil. You’ll need about 90ml for the turret to ensure smooth operation.

  8. Rags or Paper Towels

    • Keep some rags or paper towels handy for cleaning out old oil from the shifter turret or wiping down parts. It’s always best to work in a clean environment when dealing with mechanical components.

Step 1: Remove the Shift Knob and Center Console

NA Mazda Miata shifter

 

The first step in rebuilding your NA Mazda Miata shifter is to remove the shift knob and center console. These parts must be taken off to access the shifter assembly. This process is straightforward, but careful handling is essential to avoid damaging any interior components. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  1. Remove the Shift Knob:

    • The shift knob on an NA Miata is typically screwed directly onto the shifter rod. To remove it, simply grip the knob with your hand and turn it counterclockwise (lefty-loosey).
    • If the knob is stubborn and won’t unscrew easily, consider using a piece of cloth or a rubber grip pad for extra traction. Avoid using tools like pliers that could damage the knob’s surface.
    • Once the knob is removed, set it aside in a safe place where it won’t roll away or get damaged.

  2. Remove the Center Console:

    • To access the shifter assembly, the center console that surrounds the shifter needs to be removed. The center console is typically held in place by a few screws.
    • Start by locating the screws. On most NA Miatas, there are two screws located at the rear of the console (near the storage compartment) and two more screws toward the front (near the cup holders or beneath a small trim panel).
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove these screws. Be sure to keep the screws in a safe place; you’ll need them for reassembly later.

  3. Carefully Lift the Console:

    • Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the center console upward. Be gentle, as there may be electrical connectors attached to the console, especially if your Miata has power windows.
    • If your NA Miata has power windows, you’ll find a connector for the window switch beneath the console. Disconnect this plug by pressing the release tab and pulling it apart. Be cautious not to pull on the wires themselves, as this could cause damage.
    • After the console is fully detached, set it aside in a safe place.

Beginner’s Tip: If it’s your first time removing the center console, be gentle when prying up the edges, and don’t force anything. It should come off easily once the screws are removed. If you feel resistance, double-check for any hidden screws that might still be holding the console in place.

Step 2: Remove the Rubber Shift Boot

NA Mazda Miata shifter

 Now that the center console has been removed, the next step is to take off the rubber shift boot. This boot serves to protect the shifter assembly from dust, debris, and noise. Removing it will allow you to access the shifter and begin the rebuild process.

  1. Locate the Rubber Boot:

    • After removing the center console, you’ll see a large rubber shift boot directly surrounding the base of the shifter. This boot is secured by a few bolts around the perimeter.
    • The boot may look a bit worn or torn if it hasn’t been replaced in a while. If it’s in bad shape, consider replacing it during your shifter rebuild to keep everything well protected.

  2. Remove the Bolts Securing the Boot:

    • The rubber boot is typically held in place by four small bolts (usually 10mm). Use a 10mm socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
    • As you remove each bolt, set them aside safely so they don’t roll away. You’ll need these bolts to reinstall the boot after you’ve finished the shifter rebuild.

  3. Carefully Lift Off the Boot:

    • Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the rubber boot off the shifter assembly. Be gentle, especially if the boot is old, as it can tear easily.
    • If you notice cracks or significant wear on the rubber boot, it’s a good idea to replace it with a new one to ensure your shifter remains protected from dirt and debris in the future.

  4. Inspect the Condition of the Boot and Surrounding Area:

    • Before moving on, take a moment to inspect the area around the shifter assembly. Clean away any visible dirt or grime that may have accumulated over time. This will help ensure smooth reassembly later.
    • If there is any old, dirty oil visible inside the shifter turret (the cavity where the shifter sits), make a note to clean this out in a later step. Keeping this area clean and properly lubricated is key to the longevity of your shifter rebuild.

Beginner’s Tip: The rubber boot is one of the key components that protects your shifter from external elements. If it looks cracked or damaged, don’t skip replacing it. A new boot is an inexpensive part that can prevent issues down the line.

Step 3: Remove the Shifter Assembly

NA Mazda Miata shifter

Now that the center console and rubber boot have been removed, you’re ready to take out the shifter assembly itself. This is the heart of the rebuild process, and removing the shifter is a crucial step. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

  1. Locate the Shifter Assembly Bolts:

    • With the rubber boot removed, you’ll see the base of the shifter assembly secured by three or four bolts, typically 10mm bolts. These bolts hold the shifter in place and connect it to the transmission below.
    • Before you start removing these bolts, take a moment to get familiar with how the shifter is positioned within the assembly. This will help with reassembly later.

  2. Remove the Shifter Bolts:

    • Using your 10mm socket wrench, loosen and remove the bolts holding the shifter assembly in place. It’s important to remove these bolts evenly, so loosen each bolt a little bit at a time before fully removing them. This helps ensure that nothing gets damaged from uneven pressure.
    • As always, keep the bolts in a safe place for reassembly later. You don’t want to lose any of these important parts, so placing them in a small container or on a magnetic tray is a good idea.

  3. Lift the Shifter Out:

    • Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the shifter out of its housing. It should come out relatively easily, but if it feels stuck, gently wiggle it until it releases. Avoid using excessive force, as that can damage the components.
    • Beginner’s Tip: Before removing the shifter, it’s a good idea to take a photo of the assembly as it currently looks. This visual reference can be incredibly helpful when putting everything back together later.

  4. Examine the Shifter:

    • Now that the shifter is out, take a closer look at its components. The shifter itself consists of a metal shaft with a pivot point, a lower bushing, and sometimes a wave washer or other small parts that help it operate smoothly.
    • The lower bushing (usually made of plastic in the stock setup) may be worn or cracked, which is likely contributing to the sloppy feel of your gear shifts. This is what you’ll be replacing with a new bushing from your rebuild kit, or upgrading to a bronze bushing kit for better performance.
    • Check the shifter cup (the small socket where the end of the shifter sits). If it’s filled with old, dirty oil or debris, you’ll want to clean this out before continuing.

  5. Drain and Clean the Shifter Turret (Optional but Recommended):

    • The shifter turret is the cavity in which the shifter sits. Over time, old gear oil can accumulate in this area and become dirty or sludgy. If you haven’t done a turret oil change recently, now is a great time to refresh this fluid.
    • Cleaning the Turret: Use a rag or paper towels to soak up any old oil inside the turret. Be sure to wipe the interior clean to remove any debris or sludge. If the oil is very old and dirty, you might need to refill it with fresh GL-4 gear oil (about 90ml) when reassembling the shifter.
    • Adding Fresh Oil: Once the turret is clean, consider adding fresh gear oil to ensure smooth operation of the shifter. Simply pour the recommended amount of oil into the turret until it reaches the appropriate level (about halfway up the turret).

  6. Inspect Other Components:

    • Look around the shifter assembly area for any worn parts, such as the pivot cup (the plastic socket where the shifter’s ball end sits). If your rebuild kit includes a new pivot cup, this is the time to replace it. A worn pivot cup can cause excessive play in the shifter, so replacing it is important for a precise feel.
    • If your NA Miata is equipped with a wave washer or spring, inspect these parts for wear as well. These components help keep tension in the shifter, and worn-out parts can lead to a looser feel.

Beginner’s Tip: Take note of how the shifter’s lower bushing fits into the shift lever. This is crucial because when you install the new bushings later, they need to sit in the correct position for proper shifting.

  1. Organize the Parts for Reassembly:
    • After removing the shifter and inspecting all the components, lay out the parts in the order you removed them. This will make reassembly much easier later on, especially for beginners who are working on their Miata for the first time.
    • You now have full access to the turret and shifter components. With the shifter removed, you’re ready to replace the old bushings and any worn-out parts with new ones from your bronze bushing kit or standard rebuild kit.

Step 4: Install the Bronze Bushings

NA Mazda Miata shifter bronze bushing

 Now that you have the shifter removed, it’s time to install the new bronze bushings. Here’s the order in which the bushings and parts should be installed:

  1. Lower Bronze Bushing: This bushing fits at the bottom of the shifter. The lower bushing is the critical part that engages with the shift rod inside the transmission, allowing for precise gear changes. Slide the lower bronze bushing onto the ball at the end of the shifter. Make sure it’s seated firmly.

  2. Wave Washer: After installing the lower bronze bushing, place the wave washer above it. This washer helps keep tension in the shifter assembly, ensuring smooth movement.

  3. Upper Bronze Bushing (or Pivot Cup): Depending on your kit, you may also have an upper bronze bushing or replacement pivot cup. This bushing fits at the top of the shifter, securing the shifter in place and improving lateral stiffness. Install this bushing by pressing it into the top section of the shifter assembly.

  4. Grease: Apply a small amount of lithium or moly grease to both bushings and other contact points. This ensures smooth, friction-free movement and prolongs the life of the bushings.

  5. Shifter Turret Oil: Before reassembling the shifter, check the oil level in the turret. If it’s low or dirty, replace it with about 90ml of GL-4 gear oil. This step is essential for maintaining the integrity of the shifter system.

Step 5: Reassemble the Shifter

NA Mazda Miata shifter

Once you’ve installed the new bronze bushings, it’s time to reassemble the shifter. Follow these steps carefully to ensure everything is properly aligned and securely fastened:

  1. Position the Shifter: Take the shifter assembly, now equipped with the new bushings, and carefully lower it back into the shifter turret (the hole where the shifter sits). Ensure that the lower bronze bushing aligns with the shift lever inside the turret. You should feel the shifter “seat” into place as it connects with the gear selector.

  2. Check Alignment: Double-check that the shifter is positioned correctly, with the bronze bushings fully seated and no parts misaligned. The shifter should sit flush with the turret and move smoothly side to side and front to back without binding.

  3. Install the Retaining Bolts: Once the shifter is correctly seated, take the three 10mm bolts you removed earlier and begin threading them into their respective holes. Tighten these bolts by hand initially to ensure proper alignment, then use your 10mm socket wrench to secure them further. Pro Tip: Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern (like tightening lug nuts) to ensure even pressure.

  4. Use a Torque Wrench: For a precise fit, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to around 13-16 ft-lbs. This ensures that the shifter is securely fastened without being over-tightened, which could damage the components. Proper torque is important for maintaining the integrity of the shifter rebuild.

Beginner’s Tip: If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten the bolts until they are snug but not overly tight. You want them secure without stressing the metal.

Step 6: Replace the Rubber Shift Boot

NA Mazda Miata shifter

Now that your shifter is securely reassembled, it’s time to put the protective rubber boot back in place. This step is crucial for keeping dirt, dust, and debris out of your newly rebuilt shifter. Here’s how to replace the boot:

  1. Inspect the Boot: Before you reinstall the boot, check its condition. If it’s torn or cracked, now is a good time to replace it. A damaged boot can allow contaminants into the shifter assembly, which could cause issues down the road.

  2. Position the Boot: Take the large rubber shift boot and position it over the shifter, ensuring it aligns with the four bolt holes. The boot should sit flush with the base of the shifter housing. Make sure the opening at the top of the boot is snug around the shifter rod, sealing the area to keep debris out.

  3. Secure the Boot: Using your 10mm socket wrench, thread the four bolts into place to secure the boot. Again, tighten them in a criss-cross pattern for even pressure. The boot should be firmly in place, with no gaps between it and the base of the shifter housing.

  4. Final Inspection: Once the boot is reinstalled, move the shifter through its range of motion to ensure the boot moves freely without being pinched or restricted.

Step 7: Reinstall the Center Console

With the shifter and boot secured, you can now put the interior back together by reinstalling the center console. This process is simple but requires care to avoid damaging any wiring or trim pieces.

  1. Reconnect Electrical Components: If your NA Miata has power windows, reconnect the window switch wiring before securing the center console. You’ll find the plug underneath the console. Ensure it clicks firmly into place.

  2. Align the Console: Gently lower the center console over the shifter, making sure the trim lines up with the rest of the interior panels. The shift boot should poke through the console, and the screw holes should line up with the mounting points on the car’s body.

  3. Secure the Console: Once the console is in position, use your Phillips screwdriver to reinstall the screws you removed earlier. Typically, there are a few screws toward the back of the console and some under the cupholders. Tighten them just enough to hold the console firmly, but be careful not to overtighten and crack the plastic.

  4. Reattach the Shift Knob: Finally, screw the shift knob back onto the shifter rod. Simply twist it clockwise until it’s snug. Make sure it’s properly aligned before fully tightening.

Step 8: Test Drive Your Miata

NA Mazda Miata shifter

This is the final and most rewarding step—testing out your newly rebuilt NA Miata shifter! Follow these steps to make sure everything works perfectly before heading out on the road:

  1. Check the Feel of the Shifter: With the car parked and turned off, sit in the driver’s seat and move the shifter through all the gears. Start by shifting into first, second, third, and so on. The shifts should feel tighter and more precise compared to before the rebuild. If the shifter feels stiff or difficult to move, check to ensure the bushings and boot are properly aligned.

  2. Listen for Any Unusual Noises: As you move the shifter, listen for any grinding or clicking sounds. These could indicate that the shifter bushings or other components aren’t seated properly. If you notice anything unusual, you may need to recheck your work, especially the alignment of the lower bronze bushing.

  3. Test on a Short Drive: Once the shifter feels smooth and firm in the garage, it’s time for a test drive. Take the Miata out for a short drive around the neighborhood. Pay attention to how the shifter behaves when moving through the gears under real driving conditions. You should notice a significant improvement in the accuracy and feel of each shift.

  4. Final Adjustments: If everything feels good, you’re done! If the shifter still feels a little off or too tight, go back and recheck the installation of the bushings, bolts, and boot. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how the shifter feels.

Conclusion:

Rebuilding your NA Mazda Miata shifter with a bronze bushing kit is a simple, effective way to drastically improve your car’s driving experience. The improved durability and precision of the bronze bushings will ensure smoother, more responsive shifts for years to come. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned Miata enthusiast, this guide provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions that will get your Miata shifting like new.

Some of the product images and links in this article are sourced from the respective manufacturers’ websites to provide an accurate representation of the products available. Others are taken from my private camera roll during maintenance.