So when driving my car after the previous owner switch shifters the shifter sits basically all the way to the left at rest and does not center itself

i opened it up, took out that one bolt that is connected to the linkage which moves it side to side and the linkage seems to be the problem...the shifter now centers itself with the linkage disconnected...so how do i solve this linkage being all tight and not wanting to slide back into place?

 

anyone???

is there a way to lubricate or adj this??? the trans was recently replaced im assuming chances are that teh cables were damaged or the bushings