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Notchy clunky gearbox question

Leonfrdiesel184

Active Member
Apr 18, 2022
120
20
Hi everyone is it normally for first to second gear to be rather clunky and notchy? I have noticed at higher rpm the gear change is better and of course seems worse in the world and ok when car warmed up. Second is still always clunky though but not as bad when warm. Anyone else find the same ? Cheers thanks
 

black_sheep

Active Member
Mar 10, 2013
1,255
586
It is a characteristic of every VAG manual gearbox I've owned since Mk5 golf.

You can perform a reset of the manual gearbox mechanism. I used to do this twice a year. Once in winter and once when the temperatures rose in spring.

Workshop manuals here: look for one titled 6 speed manual gearbox. Don't need special tool. 5mm drift, Allen key or nail will suffice to lock the gear shifter in position.


Video here may also help - principle is the same:

 

SuperV8

Active Member
May 30, 2019
1,544
685
It is a characteristic of every VAG manual gearbox I've owned since Mk5 golf.

You can perform a reset of the manual gearbox mechanism. I used to do this twice a year. Once in winter and once when the temperatures rose in spring.

Workshop manuals here: look for one titled 6 speed manual gearbox. Don't need special tool. 5mm drift, Allen key or nail will suffice to lock the gear shifter in position.


Video here may also help - principle is the same:

I have found my mechanism on my gearbox a little worn (around 100,000miles) - the aluminium piece where the white plastic pad slides for left/right lever positioning causing play/slack in the gear lever.

I fitted a new plastic slider which didn't really help so think I need a new mech.
 
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Leonfrdiesel184

Active Member
Apr 18, 2022
120
20
It is a characteristic of every VAG manual gearbox I've owned since Mk5 golf.

You can perform a reset of the manual gearbox mechanism. I used to do this twice a year. Once in winter and once when the temperatures rose in spring.

Workshop manuals here: look for one titled 6 speed manual gearbox. Don't need special tool. 5mm drift, Allen key or nail will suffice to lock the gear shifter in position.


Video here may also help - principle is the same:

Thanks so much for this mate how do you get to gear box in the engine bay and where is it located? Thanks mate
 

black_sheep

Active Member
Mar 10, 2013
1,255
586
Thanks so much for this mate how do you get to gear box in the engine bay and where is it located? Thanks mate
It's underneath the air box. First-time I would recommend removing the lid on the air filter housing, air filter and snow grate. Then pull the lower section of the air box upwards. There is a large rubber grommet that fixes the air box in place - don't be shy when removing. Next time, you can remove without the disassembly.
 
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Leonfrdiesel184

Active Member
Apr 18, 2022
120
20
It's underneath the air box. First-time I would recommend removing the lid on the air filter housing, air filter and snow grate. Then pull the lower section of the air box upwards. There is a large rubber grommet that fixes the air box in place - don't be shy when removing. Next time, you can remove without the disassembly.
Thanks mate is it really straight forward when you remove the air box completely? Is there anything I should be careful of and make sure I dont shag up lol
 

black_sheep

Active Member
Mar 10, 2013
1,255
586
The hardest part is removing the gator around the gear lever. Plastic is brittle when cold - just leave the car running with the heater on full for 5 mins so the plastic won't snap when you prise it off. Have a look at the guides threads pinned to the top of this forum for internal trim removal.

only other thing is to take care with the plastic locating pin on the gearbox itself - these have been known to snap if too heavy handed - you can wiggle the mech to get it to engage smoothly.
 
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