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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: mickysuperstar on 23 October 2009, 17:12

Title: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: mickysuperstar on 23 October 2009, 17:12
Just picked up a first MK2 Gti (always had MK3's, but always wanted a MK2 project/fun car!!!)

Unfortunately, it has the common 2nd gear crunch... So looking at my options..

Is it worth replacing the gear linkage bushes, and renewed the gearbox oil before I buy a replacement box? If so, how easy/hard is this to do?

Absolutely love the car - cant believe it has taken me this long to get into a MK2! So much fun.... Heres a pic:

Really want some 15" BBS RA's (if any one has a set) - to keep it 100% oem!
(http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac269/mickysuperstar/IMG_0204.jpg)


Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: farmer on 23 October 2009, 17:50
I had the same prob with my gti first was difficalt to get and 2nd gear crunch so I changed the box does not crunch no more it is easy but have a weekend to do it as I did it on the floor I started at 6pm sat night till 2am Sunday then 11am Sunday. To about 7pm. It is easy. The easyest way is to take the smash pannel bumper rad ect out as it makes access easy its all nut and bolts. I used a air compreser impaced gun to undo the hub bolt as that is rely tight. You don't have to drain the oil as its self contained a hayns manual can help I didn't use my one would reccommend a second pair of hands. And you will need a set of torq screws (star shaped allen key) other people could do a better job with info but will save you a lot of money doing it your self
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: robz on 23 October 2009, 17:54
my mate has a mk2 and he did the bushes and linkages - think ya can get kits off fleabay etc... but he got a newish looking one from the scrappy and itsok now.... obviously its still not a new box but it goes in without a fight and alot of noise :D
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: Ben Lessani on 23 October 2009, 18:20
Read the linkage FAQ, then search if you still need help.

If you are replacing the box anyway, don't waste money on oil.
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: mickysuperstar on 23 October 2009, 19:06
Think I'm gonna slam a new box in her and hopefully get my mate to help out... I'm not overly confident about tackling a gear box on my own!!

Will let ya know how I get on... Prob change the clutch at the same time!! :sick:
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: Tubb on 23 October 2009, 19:14
if your changing the box anyway then its worth changing the bushes. you can get the kit from GSF for about £6 and its alot easier to do without the box in the way
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: spacerat on 23 October 2009, 19:46
mines done it for years now, dont even notice it anymore
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: oakgreengolf on 23 October 2009, 19:48
surely its worth doing the bushes before changing the box  :undecided:. Works in most cases
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: Jay on 23 October 2009, 21:29
If it's making the 'crunch' mine does it's the syncro's in the gearbox and only changing the gearbox (with one that does not crunch) or a complete gearbox rebuild (£££) will fix it. If you hold it just before the crunch for a second then put it in gear it shouldn't make a noise.

Some americans claim using a chevvy gearbox oil cures it, but I can't see it curing worn parts...
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: DarnPB on 23 October 2009, 22:07
As Jay said. Crunchy gearbox means synchro has gone. But it is perfectly liveable with. I did for over a year before I sold the car. You can practically illiminate it with carefull gear selection. Try changing the gearbox oil first. That sometimes helps, but if you want a completely crunch free box, then you need to replace it or repair it.
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: bodga on 23 October 2009, 22:55
try to double the clutch when changing gear, when u come out of first gear leave it in neutral, take your foot off the clutch, blip the accelerator(about 2000-2500 rpm), foot back on the clutch to select second, crunch free! you can do it v quick with some practice and it wont cost u a penny. i had a mini for my first car w syncro scrap on second gear and it worked a treat :grin:
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: Jay on 24 October 2009, 00:28
... or hold it just before 2nd gear engages (you can feel when it's right to hold it there) for half a second,  and no need to double clutch as you don't get the crunch.
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: mickysuperstar on 24 October 2009, 09:54
Amazing!! I'm gonna get out in her today to see how I get on with avoiding the crunch..

I've spoke to a local dubber who has a box for sale and will help me with fitting - good lad!!

So gonna save some pennies and get the box changed... But I feel much better knowing it is usable as it is!!

Thanks for all the advice guys - really helpful!!
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: PDWC on 24 October 2009, 17:14
Mine's the same! Worst when cold, so I avoid using 2nd altogether! Its been doing it for years and a new gearbox (clutch and bushes?) is on my Christmas list again this year!
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: Mr Blue on 24 October 2009, 18:48
if the 2nd gear is crunching then thats not through worn bushes.

Gearbox replacement is easy but i'd just buy a recon box and be done with it next time.
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: VW BUSH on 24 October 2009, 19:10
TSR do a super linkage kit also MK3 weighted arm can help smooth gear change.
If you are in london i know a box builder who is good, we re machine bits for him sometimes :smiley:
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: danny_p on 24 October 2009, 20:06
id just turn the radio up.

mk2 boxes crunch on 2nd when cold (well most do ) they'll go on till the diff goes like that
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: mickysuperstar on 25 October 2009, 07:42
Yeah it only does it for the first 5 miles or so... Still want it sorting though - my mate has a decent box and clutch... So were gonna do the whole lot for about £100 next weekend!!

It grinds on me everytime it.... Erm.... Grinds  :grin:
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: DarnPB on 25 October 2009, 11:31
You could just change the gearbox oil. That may quieten it down or stop it to a degree. If you do put in another gearbox, use a molybdenum disulphide (Molykote) based gearbox oil. Excellent stuff.
Title: Re: Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??
Post by: mickysuperstar on 25 October 2009, 16:50
Great stuff!! Will pick up some molykote - thanks so much for the help and advice guys!!