Shift Knob Buzzing

I searched but couldn't find the best solution:

My wooden shift knob buzzes (vibrates noisily) at certain speeds and vibrations, a common problem with wooden knobs, I know. I think the usual solution is something like filling the hole with silicone. But doesn't that just glue the knob to the shift lever? I'm not sure that's a good idea. Anyone know of a good solution?

The origin of the problem is that the shift knob had become loose, so I removed it and reglued the plastic insert (the part that's threaded) back into the knob with superglue. That solved the loose insert problem, but now the darn knob buzzes. It stops when I hold it, of course, but I've got to scratch sometimes. It's either stop the buzzing or get a leather knob. Not sure why it's always wooden knobs that do this?

You might want to check the plastic bushing on the bottom end of the shifter. If it is missing or worn through, it could cause the vibration you're getting.

I'll check that, Bob, but I had just checked it a year ago when I reinstalled the shift lever as a shortened version of itself. It was fine then, but I'll look. Is that bushing sold by Moss or anyone if I need to replace it? Or is there an alternative fix? If I remember, it was a simple white plastic 'doughnut' or something like that.

Hi Drew.

Buzzing on my '79 came from the chrome piece at the bottom of the shift knob. Not sure if you have that piece on yours, though. I gave it a little squeeze and tightened it up and the buzzing stopped, but I did put a light gouge in the piece. Anyway, it's on my list of things to replace since it's a bit pitted.

My buzzing was a loose tiny electrical screw to the o/d switch. I also cut a piece of dense foam and filled the void.

I went all through this last year. Does it stop or mostly go away of you put your hand on the knob?

First, replace the bushing.

Second, remove the knob and put some silicone in it and then screw it back on.

This was suggested to me on this Forum and worked very well. Not all the noise is gone but most of it.

You need to check the stuff all down the gear stick. First, as noted above check the lower bushing is in good condition (many times it's completely gone!). Second, check the brass plunger and spring are in place to push against the ball/fulcrum of the gear stick. To get to that stuff below, you need to remove the knob, the gaiter, the chrome ring, and the fulcrum cover plate.

Putting silicone on the knob is not really fixing the problem. There is a vibration somewhere down below that is coming up the gear stick and making the knob rattle. Stop or minimize the vibration and it should stop the annoying knob rattle.

Our MG has a rosewood shift knob but never has buzzed. Try a wrap of plumbers silicone tape one or two wraps around the threads and see if that fixes it.

I've already tried the silicone tape! Didn't work much,but maybe a little. I'll try to find some time soon and open up the shift area and see if the little bushing has disintegrated. Not sure I want to put silicone inside the knob, but if it will stop the buzzing I'll try it, too. Thanks for the help.

I CURED my buzzing knob in my '79.
It was the nut inside the knob.
Here is the link to my solution which was 100% effective and remains that way so far.

Shifter Knob Rattle Fix How To

I've got buzzing too and it's not the knob now (new leather one). In the 1st 3 gears there's a hi pitch "nyiiiiiiiiinnnnnnggg' in the shifter which gets louder and changes pitch with the slightest hand touch, but NOT in 4th :S Hey I could make a new musical instrument outa this haha

I'm about to order the bits down there, bushing, plunger, spring, etc., and I see there's no bushing from Moss - either online or catalog. But am I on the right track; nylon bushing under the shifter's bad??

Moss parts for '68-'80 gearboxes from figure

http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29014#114

BUSH, shift lever 461-110 $5.95
PLUNGER, shift lever damping 462-440 $2.60
SPRING, for plunger 329-010 $0.65

Marco the answer is yes IF it is not the knob.

if it is the knob see my thread

Wow that bushing was hard to spot way over there by a shift shaft thanks Mitch!

Yeah Michael it's for sure not the new leather knob; I drove a bit with it removed. Another project (sigh) New front shock arm bushings and pins first tho.