Does my box have a first gear syncro?

[Seanl]

I just assumed it didnt as lots dont, but when I down shift into 1st gear when coming to a stop, it catches a bit unless I'm doing less than 10mph and ease it in gently. Its the only gear it does it in so thats why I was thinking this was because it has no syncro, or is it a sign that my gearbox/clutch is on its way to mechanical heaven? It has done this since I got it, but also recently it clunks when selecting reverse. Goes in easy enough but still. Any suggestions please!

[rubjonny]

yes it does, but dont change into second unless you're going slow or stopped as it doesnt really like it. i never select 1st unless ive stopped or am literally crawling along

[Christo77]

Exactly, avoid sellecting 1st gear at all if your still moving i'd say!
Probably women who drive Honda Civic's & Toyota Corolla's bang it in 1st gear at any speeds, to a degree on those the gearbox's will cope but eventually premature wear will start to show up, your asking a lot of the gearbox to do that.
Since i bought mine just sometimes it'll crunch a bit on selecting 1st, that's at a complete standstill but i've never forced it, never upon never' brutalised the gearbox and the problem hasn't worsened in the slightest.

Same as a Mk2 i had with the 2nd gear syncro problem, it never got worse because i never used it harshly.

[Seanl]

Ok thanks guys, I have not been doing it for ages until stopped but glad to hear its not unusual. What about the reverse problems though? It doesn't pop out, ever but like I said, just lately it had started to "bump" when selecting it. Cheers

[Wayne]

Reverse problems could be a linkage or gearbox issues

[rubjonny]

reverse again take care with it, there is no syncro so make sure you are not moving and leave it a couple seconds before selecting reverse. i like to hold clutch in for a second before putting it into reverse too to give it the best chance of going in smooth. but mk3s do tend to eat the reverse gear more than mk1 or mk2, i think its just down to the extra weight putting more strain on the already weak gearbox.

that being said wayne is right, well worth doing a full linkage bush repair job on it. also try lifting the stick directly upwards, if there is movement the housing under the car has worn which makes 1st and reverse even more tricky to select

[Seanl]

Thanks again fellas, just tried lifting the stick and there is only about half a mil give in it so don't think there is a problem. Will have a look into bush replacement as never done it, and go over the linkage. Cheers!

[rubjonny]

yeah that'll be fine, have a good look at the bay bushes next. the orange bush where the shift rod comes thru from underneath is prone to melting and gives a lot of play