Audi B8/8.5 Billet Linkage Stabilizer Rod Upgrade (B8033A0)
PREORDER. EXPECTED TO SHIP LATE MAY
Connects the manual transmission’s shift lever housing to the transmission
Replaces failure-prone stock anchor rod
Removes fore/aft and left/right slop in shift lever
Increases shifter precision and reduces notchiness
The linkage anchor rod is responsible for maintaining the position of the shift lever housing. It prevents fore/aft movement as well as rotation. The OEM rod has a soft rubber isolator (green) that allows quite a bit of slop in all directions, especially as it wears out.
The metal portion of the OEM rod has a circular cutout in it which is prone to failure over time. When it fails, it completely releases the housing, allowing it to slide forward and backwards on the shifter mounting plate, making it impossible to change gears.
The JXB Billet Fixed Linkage Anchor Rod uses a high durometer poly bushing to firmly connect the rod to the transmission. It reduces both fore/aft and left/right slop in the shift lever to make shifts more precise and less notchy feeling.
The circular recess in the inner portion of the stock bushing sleeve makes it weak and prone to failure.
Close-up showing failure area in stock bushing sleeve.
Installation does not require removal of the transmission. An Anchor Rod-specific video will be up shortly. It can be installed from underneath the car like the Linkage Reinforcement Kit, or you can go armpit deep from inside the car and not have to get under the car at all. Skip to 26:36 in the video below for Linkage Reinforcement Kit install.
Full Assembly
B8033A0
