How To: TWM Shifter Bushings & Console Disassembly

[please2]

The part I circled in red is the place where it snapped. Essentially there are three clips along the left side, and the two on either end released, but the middle one didn't initially, so it snapped. Nothing snapped off though, it just broke clean through, so on re-installing, it is hardly noticeable. Probably not worth a $73 fix at the moment, so I'm hoping I can find something cheaper. I sort of feel as though the part should be available, because they sell the cup-holder part separate, so if you take away the part I want, you still have a saleable item.

[RTFM]

I've been searching for the center console brake cover and can't find anything cheaper! That is a bit ridiculous for a piece of plastic!

[catchphrase]

You might try contacting Garry on these forums from PartsForMyMazda.com to see if there's a way to get just that part or the folks at Online Mazda Parts. Else, if you're not in a huge hurry, set an ebay alert for 'mazda 3 cup holder 2010'.

[Alex_Speed25]

Just did this install, but used JBarone bushings. Wasnt expecting much from a $25 mod, but I was actually pleasently surprised by the improvment.. Its a modest change that you get used to quickly, but still very worth the cost and time..The spongy/mushy effect of the stock bushings is 100% removed. I dont understand why Mazda doesnt make these standard.. Go figure.. Also, i didnt have to pull the 2 cables and remove the circle thing although that would have made it and easier install(especially if you got big hands).. I just was paranoid about breaking something so I kept the removing stuff to a minimum. Lastly, I almost dropped a bushing into the carpet.. Watch out for that as that will probably double the lengthly of this install.. Of note I have a magnet extender to pick up steel in hard to reach places, but the JBarone bushings are made of something else and were unaffected by the magnet making it useless.. Just an fyi

[catchphrase]

Originally Posted by Alex_Speed25

Lastly, I almost dropped a bushing into the carpet.. Watch out for that as that will probably double the length of this install.. Of note I have a magnet extender to pick up steel in hard to reach places, but the JBarone bushings are made of something else and were unaffected by the magnet making it useless.. Just an fyi

Yeah, they're usually cut out of aluminum on a lathe which is not magnetic. You could technically do this with proper sized steel washers and some JB weld to hold them together.

If you drop a bushing into the carpet, there's a carpet flap in the middle of each seat where you can stick your hand through and reach for it.

[CptMorgan]

i just did this install on saturday, had some problems so i had to remove the entire center console, which looks intimidating, but wasnt hard at all

as others have said removing it gives you a lot more space to work, and my giant sausage fingers/hands simply dont fit in that little area so the whole thing had to come out - aside form a few electrical connectors, its only 4 screws to remove

anyway shifting is improved, and its a great and effective compliment to a rear engine mount, shifter feels very solid and precise now

thanks to everyone for instructions, pictures etc

[zabi143]

I used needle nose pliers wrapped in electrical tape and lifted rather than using the edge of the housing as a fulcrum. Do both. Also, pull the shift cable joints out of the housing circled in green.

[bigriver]

Great writeup! I installed the JBR bushings without removing the center console and the shifter cables. Another tip I would add is that I looped thread in the bushing and looped the other end around my finger while positioning the bushing. Doing this saved me on several occasions from having to fish the bushing from under the carpet. Here's a pic. The thread looks thick because of the flash but it really isn't. After all the bushings were in position with the bolt threaded slightly, I just cut the thread and pulled them out.