I have a 97 civic hatch and the shift wiggles side to side a lot in neutral. It moves so far that it touches my thighs. Could this be the bushing going bad or the shift linkage? Feels really loose 2!

 

Get under the car and check it out. My first Civic I changed the bushings to Energy Suspension ones and that firmed it up a lot. My second Civic, the bushings were crud, the linkage had 2 loose bolts holding the shifter itself, it was generally messed up. It doesn't cost too much to buy all the bushings and rebuild it.

 

and make sure your using a pin instead on a bolt to connect the linkage to the trans

 

Thanks guys.

 

Of course Honda builds the cards w/ pins and so you should use one when installing your linkage; However, what are the hazards, if any, that may result in NOT using a pin?

Thanks guys.
(I've just replaced my motor and have loose linkage as well *frown town*)

 

Find a pipe or something the same exact diameter and slide that in, then put a bolt through that. A bolt alone has too much play.

 

I have to crank my shifter WAY over to shift into first second and then WAY over the other way for 5th and reverse. all the bolts are tight, including the pin, what could the cause of this be? Ive been under the car and checked out all the connection points. is there a bushing kit that ould solve this issue?

 

yeah they do

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ENS-16-1102R/


im guessing this is the car you are talking about

 

i also forgot to add they make one in black tooooo