Sticky Gear Stick

[jezza16v]

Hi, have a problem with the latest golf. When pushing the gearstick down to go into reverse it sticks down, you have to pull it up. It does spring back up with help and if you don't push it down too far it will spring back. I've looked under the gaitor and the spring is ok. I've had a look in the repair guide but I can't figure what it would be sticking on/in. 
The change is nice and tight and the relay bushes and linkages were replaced a short while back but not the ones at the base of the shift, no issues getting the gears its just a pain. Any ideas as to what the problem could be?

[rubjonny]

either there is crud caught up in the stick, the ball housing is at fault or perhaps the ring around the top of the stick that locates into the round bush is miss-shapen.  If you follow the guide on removing the under stick housing & ball the spring will come out so you can clean it all up.

[jezza16v]

Thanks, I guess I'll have to strip it down as you suggest, was just hoping it was something obvious & simple.

[rubjonny]

you could blast it with carb cleaner while pushin up n down on the stick, just wiupe up the mess after and give it plenty lube.
if when you lift the stick you have play, this means you need a new ball housing anyway!

[jezza16v]

Well, I already tried what you suggested but with WD40, that carb cleaner worries me with plastic stuff. No play when you lift the stick, it just 'sticks'. I'm wondering if the bottom of the stick has punched a hole through the bottom of the nylon ball housing and its getting stuck in that? More fun for the weekend.........what else would I do?..............Mow the so**ing grass if it ever stops raining.