What will occur if a shim is removed from one side and shifted to the other side?

When a shim is removed from one side of a component and shifted to the other side, it results in a change in the positioning and support of the parts involved. In the context of manual transmissions, shims are often used to maintain precise clearances and preload in components such as gears or bearings.

By removing a shim from one side and adding it to the opposite side, the net effect is that the assembly may see a reduced gap between the components that are being adjusted. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in backlash, which is the amount of free play between two gears. A reduced backlash is generally desired for better gear engagement and smoother operation.

This adjustment helps achieve a more efficient function within the transmission, as proper backlash is crucial for minimizing noise and wear during operation. Therefore, shifting shims in this manner directly correlates with a decrease in backlash, aligning with the correct answer to the question.