How to Install Shifter Base Bushings on a CRZ

By ACUITY Instruments: Performance Automotive Products | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to replacing the rubber OEM shifter base bushings on a Honda CRZ with solid aluminum ACUITY bushings for a tighter, more precise shift feel.

Quick answer

To install ACUITY Shifter Base Bushings on your CRZ, you will remove the shift boot, unbolt the shifter assembly, replace the rubber OEM bushings with the included aluminum bushings and hardware, then reassemble and torque to spec.

Why Upgrade the Shifter Base Bushings?

The OEM shifter base bushings on the Honda CRZ are made from soft rubber. Over time and with temperature changes, this rubber compresses and introduces unwanted compliance in the shifter mechanism. The ACUITY Shifter Base Bushings replace that rubber with solid aluminum and Class 10.9+ hardware, eliminating the slop and giving you a more direct, mechanical connection to the transmission.

One trade-off: the aluminum bushings transmit more vibration and noise into the shift boot area than the rubber originals. This is a sign of a stiffer, more responsive system, but if you prefer a quieter cabin, the upgrade may feel slightly more industrial.

Installation Steps

1. Remove the Shift Boot: Pull the shift boot up and off the shifter lever. If it’s stubborn, use a plastic pry tool to avoid tearing the rubber. Common mistake: tearing the boot by using a metal screwdriver. Work slowly; the boot is fragile.
2. Unbolt the Shifter Assembly: Using a 10mm socket, remove the four bolts holding the shifter base to the transmission housing. Lift the assembly straight up. Common mistake: dropping the shifter lever and damaging the plastic housing. Support the assembly from below as you remove the last bolt.
3. Remove the Old Rubber Bushings: Pull the old rubber bushings out of the base. They may be stuck; use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry them out. Common mistake: scratching the aluminum base with aggressive prying. Use a plastic pry tool if possible.
4. Install the New Aluminum Bushings: Place the ACUITY aluminum bushings into the base recesses. They are keyed, so they only fit one way. Common mistake: forcing them in upside down. Check orientation before pressing.
5. Reassemble and Torque: Reinstall the shifter assembly with the included hardware. Torque the four bolts to 9 ft-lb (108 in-lb). Common mistake: over-torquing and stripping the threads in the aluminum base. Use a torque wrench; hand-tight is not enough.
6. Reinstall the Shift Boot: Push the shift boot back over the lever and seat it around the base. Make sure it is fully seated to prevent debris entry. Common mistake: leaving a gap that lets dirt into the shifter mechanism. Double-check the boot is seated all around.

Product Facts

Shifter Base Bushings for the CRZ: Replaces the OEM rubber base bushings with solid aluminum bushings and Class 10.9+ hardware, reducing compliance in the shifter mechanism. This directly reduces the slop you feel when rowing through the gears, especially under hard driving or in warmer conditions where rubber softens.
Shifter Base Bushings for the CRZ