According to the guys at Mazdatrix, shifter rattle is a problem related to the car and not the shifter. From my experience, I think they're right. It's just aggravating that no one (including the guys at Mazdatrix!) has figured out a way to fix it.



I'm no different...I didn't figure out a way to fix it, but by doing several things in it's installation, I did manage to cut out nearly alll of the rattle. Before I did this, the rattle was unbearable, and I was planning on putting the stock shifter mechanism back in. Here goes:



1) Pull out all of the shifter mechanism parts and completely remove all of the oil from the shifter tower reservoir. I went to the drug store and bought one of those rubber bulb suckers that parents use to clear out baby's stuffy nose. Works great!



2) Clear out any debris that may have fallen down in the shifter tower over the years, like broken parts of bushings and boots. Clean out any remaining oil with a rag or absorbent paper towels.



3) Get a 3/4" rubber washer, 1/8" thick and seat it down at the bottom of the shift tower. Make sure its as level as you can get it and press it fully down on the bottom



4) Cover this washer with wheel bearing grease. It's OK to be liberal with the grease here.



5) Install the inner spacer of the short throw shifter and verify that there is no lateral play in its fit. I used some Inner tube patch pieces of rubber to shim it up and make a snug fit.



6) Pour synthetic gear lube (90 weight or heavier) in the shift tower until the hole is completely covered



7) Complete the installation of the rest of the short throw shifter mechanism, being sure to use brand new upper and lower plastic bushings and leaf springs.



This is what I did and pretty much cured the shifter rattle. For what its worth you might want to give it a try if you're having the same problem. Couldn't hurt.

 

Shifter rattle cure, revisited.



I have since heard that another way to cure short throw shifter rattle is to dip the ball end of the shifter in liquid rubber (like is used to coat tools) . Let it dry thoroughly and install as per instructions using new bushings and leaf springs. This accomplishes much the same effect as my original solution and probably works just as well. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

 

Brilliant, I've been avoiding a short throw because I hate rattles. May be worth a try.