I just bought a 1997 Audi A4 1.8TQM. It has alot of miles on it (153k) but seems to run pretty well. The shifter play is what's bothering me though. I've heard there is alot of stock play, but it seems like this is more than usual. I can lift up the shifter and it will like pop out. I took off the boot, and saw some snap rings were off, etc.? Sorry, I'm a noob, but I did try to search but to no avail. Should I invest in a short throw or something similar? Is it linkages? It still shifts fine, but the play is horrible. Thanks in advance.

 

Do you mean the shift **** pops off the top?

or is the whole shift lever moving/loose?

 

Sorry, the whole shift lever.

 

spend 30 bucks on an ebay short shifter, makesa world of difference.

 

Crazy, I was just going to ask that! I read in the FAQ that most ebay things are junk except short shifters and intercoolers. How tough of an install is it? Thanks.

 

Takes a few hours if your doing it the first time.

 

An Ebay short throw won't fix it.