Gear shift

nounStandard termAutomotive

The lever and linkage assembly used by a driver to select transmission ratios.

The physical control mechanism inside the cabin that a driver uses to change gears, along with the internal forks and rods that move the synchronizers inside the gearbox. It connects the driver's hand movements to the transmission internals to engage the desired gear ratio.

Heard on the job

The gear shift feels sloppy because the linkage bushings are completely shot.

Also heard as

  • shifter
  • gear lever