Gear select problem

[cornish wrecker]

Hi people, I am new to this site (today) - previously a member of the 300zx club.  Just bought myslef a N Reg Golf GTI 2.0 (Mk 3?) from auction.  Have had 3 of these before and couldn't resist the temptation despite only going there to purchase a cheap (low insurance) runner.  It really is in spotless, original (unpainted) condition with 82,000 on the clock and I paid £825 for it.  A bargain me thinks - if all is well.  It runs like a dream but the gear selection is bloody awful.  The gear stick is not loose, the clutch is fine and there are no moans and groans from the box but it seems to to take a two stage prod to get any gears to select (all 5).  If I am aggressive with the box I can get it to move straight into each gear but the moment you slacken off she will go into neutral.  I really can't see this is a replacment box and am wondering whether any of you guys have had a similar issue.

[Reasty]

Sounds like you need a new linkage kit to me,use the search function there's loads of posts about this issue buddy  and welcome to the site.

[cornish wrecker]

Cheers for the fast response.  I think (and hope) you are right as this is obviously the easier option than replacing the box.  Will do a search.

[andc1]

prob the small bushes on the selector rods, get someone to change gears parked up and look at the bushes on the rods and see if theres play , dealers to get them tho im afraid!!!!

[cornish wrecker]

Appears to be a fair bit of play on the rod that actually goes into the gearbox itself. Either way, I can't do any harm by changing as much as possible before the box itself.

[Reasty]

try b&b components they do various bush kits and full linkage repair kits have used them myself and they are excellent,the full repair kit is about 28 quid they have a shop on eBay

[cornish wrecker]

Chears Reasty, that's exactly what I have gone for - £24 delivered.  Also gone for the linkage bracket which apparently holds it all in place while you carry out the replacement of parts - £3.  On top of that, just so all my bases are covered, I have ordered a gear selector rod detent bolt (the one with a spring and a small ball bearing).  I will also change the oil for full synthetic.  If this lot doesn't work then it's down to the scrappy for a replacement box. 

[cornish wrecker]

Nothing worse than trying to solve a problem by folowing a link through and then finding it ends - with no result posted.  So here goes:

Gearbox is now spot on.  I did consider that this was so bad (in all gears) that the gearbox was U/S but a new set of linkages from e.bay and some quality gearbox oil and it is absolutely spot on.  I cannot beleive the differnce this has made. I'm a novice mechanic and all I did was change the linkages one at a time and it really is an incredibly easy fix.  Before you run off and buy a new box - check this cheap option first.

For all those that helped, thanks for the advice.

[christomk3gti]

well done m8 and welcome to the site.

[Wayne]

Welcome to the site.