I have a 97 Escort LX, 5-speed, and my shifter has become wobbly. So much so that it is hard to tell if it is in gear. Is this something I might be able correct by pulling off the boot and performing a simple tightening, or is it more major?

Thanks,
Ben G
Portland, Maine

 

probably just a nilon gromet that need replacing

 

Is that something a novice like me could do?

 

Definitely

 

these two bolts use bushings like these one pictured. once these wear out the shifter will have considerably more play and will wobble as described. Replacing these will tighten up the feel of the shifter and reduce the amount of wobble in the shifter