Stubborn gearbox - on LC 1.8

[natwest]

Three questions:

#1; It's not broke yet, however first to second gear is becoming increasingly "notchy", and I am managing to convince myself more and more that the synchromesh could be on the way out (66000 miles, 2002). Don't think it's the clutch. Am I correct?

#2; In light of the above, any recomendations as to where I should to take it within a Warwickshire, Gloucestershire or (shudder) Birmingham-shire triangle? I have heard about Challenge MC in Cheltenham (they're fairly local), but no idea what they're like?

#3; Re-con or repair gearbox? Which is the best option and how much on average?

Not happy as I've just sold the car to my dad - he takes delivery next week so I feel compelled as part of the "warranty agreement" to fix and pay for it...

Thanks for your help/input!

 

[DJ-LIAMC]

Wont be the clutch if its only 1st to 2nd, synchromesh sounds right.

 

[Binksy]

I get this same issue but when it warms up its fine! I was thinking the same synchro. I hear its quite common for it to be a little "notchy" until warm?. I might try new gearbox oil see if that helps my case but sounds similar to what u get its only 2nd gear to.

 

[natwest]

Binksy, same symptoms to the letter, I'll have a chat with my "mate down the pub" mechanic this pm about the oil - not hopeful though.

If synchro then it's drat and drat x 2, and recomendations for gearbox suppliers in West Midlands...

 

[tan159753]

If you haven't sorted it yet, change the gerabox oil to a different (thinner type). If you look closely at VAG gearbox oils, they seem to be bringing out a different one every year trying to sort out this problem.

Its much cheaper to do this than change a gearbox.

 

[Phillc]

Mine is exactly the same, notchy until warm and then nice and slick, changed the gear box oil a couple of months back and still the same.

 

[Alexis27]

Make sure you're changing using the base of the palm of your hand.

Changing with your hand in any other way can make it seem awkward. The 1st - 2nd notchiness is pretty typical - being forceful with your palm helps.

 

[godber225r]

Make sure you're changing using the base of the palm of your hand.

Changing with your hand in any other way can make it seem awkward. The 1st - 2nd notchiness is pretty typical - being forceful with your palm helps.

This is true.

Have you tried adjusting the gearbox linkage cables?? its a 2 minute easy job and all you need is a 5mm pin or drill bit.

There is a video on here from willie that tells you how to do it.

 

[Disco_Mikey]

hate to say it but mine was the same, and a few weeks later something in the box let go, and now there is no 1st and 2nd gear... From what i have read and heard, its the rivets holding the selectors together has sheared. 350 + vat to repair, 600 + vat to recon it, or 400 to take a chance on a 2nd hand box...

 

[Phillc]

hate to say it but mine was the same, and a few weeks later something in the box let go, and now there is no 1st and 2nd gear... From what i have read and heard, its the rivets holding the selectors together has sheared. 350 + vat to repair, 600 + vat to recon it, or 400 to take a chance on a 2nd hand box...

Then again mine has been like it for the last 3 years and no problems (touch wood) but i have heard the same thing about the selector.

 

[Disco_Mikey]

Then again mine has been like it for the last 3 years and no problems (touch wood) but i have heard the same thing about the selector.

I have only had the car 8 weeks and 1st always took a few attempts to engage, and would always crunch into 2nd when cold. Never really seemed to get any worse until it wouldnt select 1st or 2nd gear one day...

 

[Alexis27]

'Notchiness' is normal, crunchiness or strange noises isn't.

Sounds like yours was a genuine issue, instead of the normal characteristic of VW gearboxes.

 

[leon cupra r]

Mine also feels notchy, especially 1st to second, and definitely worse when cold... twice in the 6 months I've owned the car I have 'lost' 1st 2nd and reverse, as in the left hand side of the gearbox felt all mushy at first but then really stiff so couldnt select any of the three gears.

This problem fixed itself after about 2 minutes and afterwards, everything was fine again. Hasnt done it now for about 2 or three months?

Anyone offer any diagnosis? I have been wondering about the syncro to be honest with the crunchy feel, and have noticed sometimes with clutch down the gearstick will 'bounce' back and forth slightly when trying to go into 1st at low speeds (best way to describe would be as if clutch isnt quite down enough?)

Cheers
Ben

 

[litcan91]

This is true.

Have you tried adjusting the gearbox linkage cables?? its a 2 minute easy job and all you need is a 5mm pin or drill bit.

There is a video on here from willie that tells you how to do it.

Hey, have you got a link to this video? i cant seem to find it, and have an exact same problem, first and second are much stiffer than the others :/ Alex