The shifting lever on my x300 is hard to move. Not that hard, but it seems to be a lot harder then it should. I saw on a video where the shifter was taken apart. The mechanism rode on a shaft to one side. Is this the area of the friction or is it the cable? If it is, what should I put on the shaft? Syl-glide, or something else. Had to think about the title. Didn't want it to sound like a Viagra ad!

 

Hi Sprite,

The easiest thing to check is the shift cable linkage on the left side of the transmission. Corrosion is common on the ball joint where the cable connects to the lever (Part 1 right in the diagram).

Also, check that the screws that secure the cable bracket to the transmission have not loosened or fallen out (Part 8):


In general, it is inadvisable to lubricate a sheathed (Bowden) cable since the lubricant will attract dust and grit and promote future problems. But if you find your cable is corroded, it won't hurt anything to apply penetrating oil and work the cable back and forth to help break down the corrosion and free up movement.

Cheers,

Don