Yea - I just had that rear piece replaced when the linkage was adjusted.  It
wasn't cheap, as I recall.

My guess as to the aluminum vs. plastic wear, I think it boils down to the
amount of friction.  Those plastic pieces see more "slippery" than aluminum
(which self-lubricates by shedding material if it is dry)

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
Santa Barbara, CA
ICQ# 58021565

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Juha Koivisto
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 1999 1:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Shifter parts for Syncro

Hi Brent

I agree with Joel about those shifter parts to be replaced.

Depending what you meant saying: 'I just had the linkages adjusted '..

If they are really adjusted including changing worn out parts it is ok..but
if only adjusted I would suggest you (or your mechanic) to check still some
parts of linkages.  After changing those plastic parts there still might be
too much play.

I haven't Bentley on hands so the names of these parts might be wrong  but I
think you understand.

It is common if you have those shifter plastic parts worn out also the end
'cup' of the rear linkage rod does (I have seen some with hole at side).  It
is made of casted aluminium or like.  This happens after the guarding rubber
'boot' gets old and brokes in pieces => dust/sand gets in and keeps there.
In some cases also the ball-headed linkage (ball going inside the 'cup')
might also be worn.  But I think it is quite rare.
BTW ball is made of plastic.. I wonder how plastic lasts and aluminium
won't?

Anyway these parts (don't know numbers) are quite cheap and worth of
replacing if necessary.

Juha Koivisto
'88 Vanagon (Caravelle) 1,6TD (old school bus with 9 seats)
TURKU, FINLAND