my brothers 89 civic dx has a sloppy shifter. it can be in gear and still move around as if in neutral. im able to shift into every gear without a problem. but i think ive found the problem as shown in picture. can this be taken apart and is there some kind of bearing of some sort to replace? its a definate diference when i drive his and when i drive mine. thanks for any input.

 

Look at the other end of the rod, on bottom of the shifter itself, there's a 12mm bolt, tighten it and you'll be good.

The bushings go bad on older cars as well.

 

Theres many places to check for this symptom.

First; check the 12mm bolt holding the shifter stablizer bar onto the transmission and inspect the bushings; then I would check to make sure the selector lever on the transmission has the roll pin installed correctly and that its tight. Then move under the car to the actual shifter; make sure the shifter has the washers on both sides; with the bolt tight through it. Last; inspect the bolts the mount the stablizer bar to the chassis and inspect the bushings.