Gearbox problems

[tonsofun]

Just fitted a second hand gearbox (mk2 gti 8v) to my car, and when i came to bolt up the driveshafts i could feel movement in the 'cups' on the box, the old gearbox did not have this, Is this a big problem, will the box be ok for a short time while i source another one!

cheers
Mark

[Wayne]

Just fitted a second hand gearbox (mk2 gti 8v) to my car, and when i came to bolt up the driveshafts i could feel movement in the 'cups' on the box, the old gearbox did not have this, Is this a big problem, will the box be ok for a short time while i source another one!

cheers
Mark

It will be ok for a short time, it will be the diff pins worn.

[rubjonny]

aye it'll drive ok for a bit but it could go at any time.  Could also be diff bearings/races are worn.  I had the same on an 8v box I got off ebay, after a month of driving the fresh oil I put in was metalic brown, and once opened up the diff bearings were heavily pitted.  Oh and the magnet that picks up swarf was a massive lump of oily shavings

[tonsofun]

are these problems fixable then? i think i heard of an upgrade by strengthening the diff pins, but i may be wrong! If its the bearings are they changeable?
Obviously it depends on how much work this is, may be better just getting another box?
Cheers

[rubjonny]

Check this page out:
http://www.brokevw.com

unfortunatly due to the design of the box its not an easy job to whip out the diff, on later 02a and small block 084/5 boxes its easier as the case splits in a different way.  Still need to mess about checking the diff pre-load and play etc though if new bearings are going in.