VW GOlf GTi Mk2 Gearbox

[mckln335]

I recently purchased a Mk2 Golf GTi and it seems to have an issue with the gearbox. I know it is necessary to push the stick down to put it in reverse which can be done, but it can also be done without the stick being pushed down when you are trying to put it in first. I have managed to get used to this, but i bought the car with the intention to sell it and would prefer it if they didnt have to put it in second to take it for a spin! I have been told that you can somehow adjust it to stop this from occuring? Anyone had any experience with this or can help?

Mark

[trickywoo]

Its likely to be due to play in the gear linkages. You can get a kit to replace all the worn bits and if the 'box itself is OK you will have a shift as good as new.

[mckln335]

How much is this likely to cost and would a relatively DIY mechanic like myself be able to carry it out?

Mark

[mckln335]

Do you mean something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK2-GTI-ETC-JETTA-GE...

Cheers

Mark

[trickywoo]

I've only seen it done on a Mk1 GTI (which had the same 1st reverse problem you describe) so not sure if Mk2 is the same.

Unless you can get right under the car on a ramp its not going to be an easy DIY.

[mckln335]

Yep i got some ramps will it mean that gearbox oil will start coming out, coz i really cant be done with that (mothers) lol.

Cheers

Mark

[alextgreen]

There's a guide on the clubgti forum and a chap that sells the alignment tool very cheaply.

[mckln335]

Will this tool be essential to install the repair kit, or can it be done without it? Is the clubgti forum on PH itself?

[GreatGranny]

www.clubgti.co.uk and go into forums and do a search, you may have to register. Also www.edition38.com is another good site with very helpful people on.

[mckln335]

Thanks Granny, found a step-by-step guide on how to do it, still looks like a b*****d of a job though, cheers for your help mate.

Cheers

Mark

[alextgreen]

Bit of a fiddle and quite time consuming - but by no means a bastard.

The shift quality is drastically better if you use the tool to line it all up properly

[mckln335]

Yes, i can agree with you there, it is very time consuming, but not that bad a job at all. Only problem is i need to get another bracket for the pinch nut and bolt, and i disfugured the bracket so now i cant tighten it to the shaft (Jubilee clips dont work)

Cheers

Mark

[mckln335]

Also, where can i get the tool from, because i cant find it on ebay? Do ya reckon unipart will have the tool and the bracket i am looking for?

[mckln335]

Right, ive discovered unipart dont do it, so i had to go to a VW dealer to get the bracket. VW wont sell me the alignment tool, presumably because they want me to take it in and let them do it, er no, not in a month of sundays. Too bad i have the tool, albeit in cardboard form after i followed some links to print it out off the net.

Cheers
Mark

[alextgreen]

http://www.clubgti.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8327...

Everything you need to know and where to get the tool from here chap

[mckln335]

Ok mate, thanks very much

Cheers

Mark

[TimCrighton]

You don't need the tool to do it. Just a bit of time and patience.

Its a bit of a fiddly job but fairly straight forward. The gearleaver is located in a sprung ball at the base of the lever and it is this that controls the press down reverse. However at the same time it would be worth replacing the rest of the bushes too. No gearbox oil will be lost although you will need to remove the centre box of the exhaust the surrounding heat sheild.

[mckln335]

Thanks Tim, yes this has all been done, including the pissing little ball, which was a pain in the ass to change. At the moment, when in neutral, if you move the stick side to side it doesn't 'spring' back into the middle. The linkage hasn't been aligned yet, will this solve the problem? or have i not done the job correctly (wouldnt be a surprise)

Cheers

Mark

[alextgreen]

The MK2 doesn't have much spring at the best of times, easily remedied by fitting the weighted linkage from any MK3 Golf

[mckln335]

Yeh and thats a 2 second job thank the lord, but there should be at least some spring, shouldnt there?