GEarbox / syncramesh. Help please!

[benross]

Hi all,

I'm having problems with, yet another, run around. That brings me to 4 mk2s and a bus in the drive now!!!

Anyway, the problem I am having is I can't get it into 1st gear without a wrestle! When I am stationary it is really really hard to get in. When I am rolling towards a junction and put it in it isn't as bad- but still not right.

Has anyone any suggestions on how I can fix the problem? I reckon it could be the syncramesh? But, if it is I have no idea how to repair it.

Help/ advice very much appreciated.

Ben

[jammac]

i think i have a similar problem but not as bad as yours. my mk2 8v just crunches going into 2nd gear.

i tried changing the gearbox oil to redline MTL. it made absolutely no differance! so dont bother wasting your £40 on that!

next job for me is gear linkage bushing change but im fearing that will have zero effect also! new gearbox time!   

p.S if anyone knows where i can get a reconditioned mk2 gti 8v 91J gearbox from PM me! money is an issue by the way!   

[rubjonny]

Do all the linkages as per my FAQ first, then try redline MTL.  It made a huge difference to shifting on my old 8v box, especially when cold.  Didnt help the 2nd gear crunch much though!

P.S. £40?! You got done   Can get it for £11 a bottle from http://www.turbobits.co.uk

[rowlers]

I can vouch for Redline mtl too - made a massive difference to my gearchanges - smoother, easier and more positive

[Nibbzy_GTI]

its a common thing on the mk 2's unfortunately there is no cure for the crunch except have the gearbhox overhauled or buy another as far as im aware

[jammac]

Do all the linkages as per my FAQ first, then try redline MTL.  It made a huge difference to shifting on my old 8v box, especially when cold.  Didnt help the 2nd gear crunch much though!

P.S. £40?! You got done   Can get it for £11 a bottle from http://www.turbobits.co.uk

turbobits is where i got it!!! 3 bottles plus postage was  £44.61 exactly! i have the receipt here! i guess i still got done though as it made naff all differance to my 2nd gear change!     

if its possible your gonna need to change your gearbox i wouldnt bother with the oil until you have tried the linkage bushes thats what im saying. cos your just gonna drain it out when you change the box! £40 down the drain! (of course not actually down the drain! that would be naughty) 

[rubjonny]

3 bottles? You only need 2
P.S. when I fitted my new gearbox I drained out all the MTL and poured it in the other gearbox

MTL is only a 'last chance' for the 2nd synchro, if you've caugt it early enough it will be solved, if not it wont! For me it made a big difference to shifting when cold, and tied me over till I could get the new one in.  I could get into 2nd without crunching by going 1st-> neutral -> 2nd 

[jammac]

yeah i do the 1st neutral 2nd gear change or i double clutch but i dont think it will do the clutch much good? its good exercise for my left leg though ay!

i put a bottle through the gearbox just to flush it through. hoping it might swish out some of the sludge in there making my 2nd gear shout! no luck though!