Wrong bolt removed while changing manual transmission fluid

[vchengap]

I made a stupid mistake yesterday while changing the manual transmission fluid in my 2012 Mazda5. Instead of removing the drain plug at the bottom, I removed another bolt facing the driver's side (see picture below). When I removed that bolt, I could see a spring inside. I realized my mistake and put that bolt back in. I correctly identified the drain bolt and proceeded to change the fluid. Everything appears fine after a spirited test drive and shifting is smooth.

Anybody know what that bolt is for (see picture below)? Did I mess anything up by removing it?

 

[loosenut]

As long as nothing else came out besides the bolt, then no problem. I believe that should be the detent for one of the shift rods. There would be a spring and then a ball behind it that provides pressure against a groove in the rod. You should be fine As long as the spring and ball stayed in.

 

[vchengap]

As long as nothing else came out besides the bolt, then no problem. I believe that should be the detent for one of the shift rods. There would be a spring and then a ball behind it that provides pressure against a groove in the rod. You should be fine As long as the spring and ball stayed in.

The spring did protrude out of the opening slightly but I did not remove it. I just used the bolt to push the spring back in and tightened the bolt. It still drives and shifts fine, so hopefully I've averted any potential damage.

However, assuming the ball did fall out of place when I removed the bolt, is my transmission a ticking time bomb now? I can only imagine what that ball will do rolling around in there.

 

[loosenut]

the ball is behind the spring so you're good. You shouldn't have any problems.

 

[chandlerGTi]

Be glad it didn't fall out, your fine though.