Mazda Manual Shifter Linkage Bushings for 1990-2003 Mazda Protege, Mazda MX3, 90-95 Ford Escort

If the shifter in your car is getting a bit loose or sloppy the CorkSport Shifter Bushings are the answer. The bushings are machined from a brass alloy.

Machined to much closer tolerances than the original ones, these bushings will provide more positive shifts and will eliminate sluggishness at the expense of a bit more vibration on the shift lever. *Does not work on all after market shifters.

The kit contains 4 bushings (2 front - 2 rear) to replace the 4 OEM bushings on the shift linkage.

These bushings fit the 90-03 Mazda Protege, Mazdaspeed Protege, 92-97 Mx3, 90-95 Ford Escort/Escort GT, and many other models (check the FAQ).
The shifter bushings include full installation instructions.

Mazda Protege Shifter Bushings Installation

I bought this kit and the 3rd link kit. I guess I don't need the 3rd link kit on my 1999 Mazda Protege. (my fault)! This is an easy 5 star review!!! The installation was very straightforward with perfect step by step instructions and illustrations!!! These bushings far exceeded my expectations!!! Perfect fit and my shifter was so sloppy it was like being in neutral in every gear with movement! Installed these and my shifter barely wiggles in gear and shifts as smooth as butter! Thank you corksport for the perfect fix for my Protege! Thank you for all the cool little extras you sent too!!! The coozie, lanyard, decals (rice crispie treat which was delicious)!!! The cool tins the bushings come in are really cool as well! I highly recommend these bushings and corksport for all your Mazda needs!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aaron05/26/2025, 06:51 AM

These made a huge difference on my 1990 Mazda protege/323

Chris06/05/2023, 11:54 AM

After another shop told me the bushings were impossible to replace due to being sealed inside the shifter box (which didn't seem right), I found these and had them installed at a different shop. Shifter feels brand new, tight and crisp especially compared to the old, worn out ones. Very, very pleased.

Nick03/22/2021, 10:22 AM

(2002 Protege5) Installed the shifter bushings along with the 3rd link bushing kit. The kits came with great instructions that made the installation very easy.

The end result is fantastic! My shifter is now smooth and solid.

Tom03/21/2018, 10:13 PM

Bought these for my 96 323 BA to replace Mazda bushings. Easy to install, fitting perfectly and makes a noticeable difference. Would Recommend!

Roy11/10/2017, 04:31 PM

Worth Every Penny!
Shifter hasn't felt this solid in years.
These bushings will work on a 2003 Protege5.

Kevin N.11/04/2017, 04:13 AM

Excellent quality, fits perfect if left in freezer overnight (follow the instructions provided, no need to force them in). Fixed the "loose" feeling in the shifting mechanism MUCH better than the plastics OEMs. Thx again CS! Soon will get the 3rd Link ones.

Luis Rivera05/19/2016, 06:26 AM

I waited about a month after installation to write my review to give the shifter some break-in time. Installation was performed These bushings absolutely exceeded my expectations, and the difference is very noticeable going from worn plastic O.E bushings -> high quality bronze bushings that meet O.E tolerances. A very small amount of grinding (took about ~2 min.) was required, but was expected. Shifter feels just as I hoped it would. Thanks to CS.

Themexicanhat01/06/2016, 11:16 AM

This made my 1988 323 feel brand new in the shifting department

ACDCralley01/05/2016, 11:18 AM

(95 escort sedan)... These bushings worked amazing!!! I no longer hit my fiancee in her left leg for 5th gear!!LOL But I agree be careful not to over tighten the linkage, it WILL get stiff.. But they wear in nicely after the first couple shifts... THANK YOU CORKSPORT!!

Tryin2fly0901/15/2015, 06:32 AM

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Write a review

Will this fit a 1990 Ford Probe GT?

Asked by Owen Baird | 09/17/2023, 06:33 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will this fit a 90' probe GT?

Asked by Owen Baird | 09/15/2023, 01:58 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will these fit an 89 tracer? ????

Asked by Pat | 09/07/2023, 06:31 PM | 1 answer(s)

Are these only for manual transmissions?

Asked by L | 11/12/2019, 11:18 AM | 1 answer(s)

Will this fit a 2002 Mazda Protege ES with a 5 speed manual tranny?

Asked by RW | 05/19/2018, 06:39 PM | 1 answer(s)

will this fit to mazda 323 familia year 1996

Asked by allan tuazon | 12/10/2017, 10:25 PM | 1 answer(s)

I own a 2003 Protege5 with a 5 speed manual and wanted to know if this kit will fit.

Asked by Kevin | 10/08/2017, 04:40 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will these (and the 3rd link kit) fit the 94-97 Ford Aspires?

Asked by Moises Anguiano | 09/27/2017, 03:06 AM | 1 answer(s)

fitment for 95 mx6 LS?

Asked by mike | 09/13/2017, 09:09 PM | 1 answer(s)

Mercury/Ford Capri 1994 XR2 SE Turbo?

Asked by Mike | 08/04/2017, 05:06 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will these work on a 2001 kia sephia?

Asked by Victor | 04/22/2016, 07:37 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will these work for a 1998 Kia sephia as well?

Asked by Keith R | 10/23/2015, 04:51 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will these bushings work with a 2003 Ford ZX2 5 speed transmission?

Asked by Jacob Flowers | 09/21/2015, 08:53 AM | 1 answer(s)

Will these bushings work in a 1993 Ford Probe base model 5 speed trans

Asked by Chris L | 09/20/2015, 12:20 PM | 1 answer(s)

Will these work with the ralco rz short shifter on the mx3?

Asked by Stephen Jones | 08/06/2015, 09:05 PM | 1 answer(s)

New post

Mazda performance parts financing is available with CorkSport

Looking to finance your parts purchase and want to get 6 months NO interest on any purchase over $199? Click on the image above for more details.

Brad

06/22/2011, 01:59 PM

Comment
I just wanted to say that these bushings fit perfectly on my '89 Festiva! I was just going to throw on some factory bushings but once you figure in dealer pricing (or shipping from e-tailers) these ended up being about the same price and will last a lot longer!

Just one tip - make sure you don't overtighten the shifter rod. Since these have no 'give' it will make the shifter very stiff. I had to loosen mine to just barely more than hand tight so I'll be investing in a self-locking nut in the near future.

Good job guys! I've very impressed!

Garry Jones

11/12/2012, 03:47 PM

Comment
makes the shift linkage stiffer and feels more aggressive. great bushings. I had to do some grinding on one of the shift arms to get them in.... not a fault of the bushings though. thanks for a great product.

Sam

03/03/2014, 03:50 PM

Comment
Purchased these for a 1992 Mazda MX3, easy to install worked great feels like a real shifter. Before I had about 6-8 inchs of play before it would go into gear and was difficult to get into reverse sometimes now it feels great, and has a shorter throw due to no slop in the shifter anymore. Will purchase from CS again. Fast service and great product. Thanks CS

Tryin2fly09

01/15/2015, 06:32 AM

Comment
(95 escort sedan)... These bushings worked amazing!!! I no longer hit my fiancee in her left leg for 5th gear!!LOL But I agree be careful not to over tighten the linkage, it WILL get stiff.. But they wear in nicely after the first couple shifts... THANK YOU CORKSPORT!!

ACDCralley

01/05/2016, 11:18 AM

Comment
This made my 1988 323 feel brand new in the shifting department

Themexicanhat

01/06/2016, 11:16 AM

Comment
I waited about a month after installation to write my review to give the shifter some break-in time. Installation was performed These bushings absolutely exceeded my expectations, and the difference is very noticeable going from worn plastic O.E bushings -> high quality bronze bushings that meet O.E tolerances. A very small amount of grinding (took about ~2 min.) was required, but was expected. Shifter feels just as I hoped it would. Thanks to CS.

Luis Rivera

05/19/2016, 06:26 AM

Comment
Excellent quality, fits perfect if left in freezer overnight (follow the instructions provided, no need to force them in). Fixed the "loose" feeling in the shifting mechanism MUCH better than the plastics OEMs. Thx again CS! Soon will get the 3rd Link ones.

Kevin N.

11/04/2017, 04:13 AM

Comment
Worth Every Penny!
Shifter hasn't felt this solid in years.
These bushings will work on a 2003 Protege5.

Roy

11/10/2017, 04:31 PM

Comment
Bought these for my 96 323 BA to replace Mazda bushings. Easy to install, fitting perfectly and makes a noticeable difference. Would Recommend!

Tom

03/21/2018, 10:13 PM

Comment
(2002 Protege5) Installed the shifter bushings along with the 3rd link bushing kit. The kits came with great instructions that made the installation very easy.

The end result is fantastic! My shifter is now smooth and solid.

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