bush kit or gear box ?

[wampablo]

hiya great site and ive read the bush repair kit and ill be embarking on that mission very soon if thats the problem that is. mines a 91 1.8 8v gti and its a pig to get into first gear warm or cold all other gears are fine its just first gear . the guy that had it before me had a new clutch fitted a few months back. so could it be that the linkage is out of line or maybe its the bush repair kit route i need to go down. any advice is great thanks

[golfdub]

hi matey check the linkage where its mounted to the power steering rack had a similar prod wi my old gti after the clutch was replaced the garage that did it forgot to put the bracket bolts in tight so the bracket was loose...
golfdub

[sidecarphil]

my 89 GTi was exactly the same

changed all the bushes and rod's

added a weighted rod from a MK3 and it is smooth as you like now 

[Jay]

Aye, I'm going with bush kit renewal (inc the gear ball on the bottom on the shaft).

I've added a MK3 weighted rod and it does feel better, I've got all the stuff for the bushes but cba atm...

[wampablo]

cool wicked advice and im glad that some of you have had same problem and cured it makes me feel a little better, means my wallet stays together longer than the shadows

[Ben Lessani]

I'd start by doing the free things.

Check the 3 bolts that hold the linkage bracket onto the steering rack is tight.
Check the plastic linkages aren't damaged.
Check the big linkage rod is tightened

If all the above is okay and you still have trouble, then slacken off the bolts and reset the gear alignment.

If you still have bother, start replacing bits.

Check there's no vertical play in the gear stick, if there is, then the bottom ball/cup is worn.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=49436.msg497188;topicseen#msg497188

[overdrive]

I have this same problem too. Just changed my clutch, and the internal ball/bush under the shaft, and i still cant get first of fourth without a bloody good wrestle. Had a look at all my bushes, and the bush that holds the long shaft ontop of the steering rack along with the ball on the relay shaft are very worn. I will need to change these out too but will need to let my funds recover. This is without a doubt the cause of my gear selection issues. The 8v boxes are quite strong from what i've heard, so the linkages are most likely your problem.

[wampablo]

yeah it was sorry should have put some closure up on here i got the bush kit and set the linkage and all is fine still need to tweak it tho not got it quite right but its better