Dreaded 2nd Gear CRUNCH!!??

[mickysuperstar]

Just picked up a first MK2 Gti (always had MK3's, but always wanted a MK2 project/fun car!!!)

Unfortunately, it has the common 2nd gear crunch... So looking at my options..

Is it worth replacing the gear linkage bushes, and renewed the gearbox oil before I buy a replacement box? If so, how easy/hard is this to do?

Absolutely love the car - cant believe it has taken me this long to get into a MK2! So much fun.... Heres a pic:

Really want some 15" BBS RA's (if any one has a set) - to keep it 100% oem!

[farmer]

I had the same prob with my gti first was difficalt to get and 2nd gear crunch so I changed the box does not crunch no more it is easy but have a weekend to do it as I did it on the floor I started at 6pm sat night till 2am Sunday then 11am Sunday. To about 7pm. It is easy. The easyest way is to take the smash pannel bumper rad ect out as it makes access easy its all nut and bolts. I used a air compreser impaced gun to undo the hub bolt as that is rely tight. You don't have to drain the oil as its self contained a hayns manual can help I didn't use my one would reccommend a second pair of hands. And you will need a set of torq screws (star shaped allen key) other people could do a better job with info but will save you a lot of money doing it your self

[robz]

my mate has a mk2 and he did the bushes and linkages - think ya can get kits off fleabay etc... but he got a newish looking one from the scrappy and itsok now.... obviously its still not a new box but it goes in without a fight and alot of noise

[Ben Lessani]

Read the linkage FAQ, then search if you still need help.

If you are replacing the box anyway, don't waste money on oil.

[mickysuperstar]

Think I'm gonna slam a new box in her and hopefully get my mate to help out... I'm not overly confident about tackling a gear box on my own!!

Will let ya know how I get on... Prob change the clutch at the same time!!

[Tubb]

if your changing the box anyway then its worth changing the bushes. you can get the kit from GSF for about £6 and its alot easier to do without the box in the way

[spacerat]

mines done it for years now, dont even notice it anymore

[oakgreengolf]

surely its worth doing the bushes before changing the box  . Works in most cases

[Jay]

If it's making the 'crunch' mine does it's the syncro's in the gearbox and only changing the gearbox (with one that does not crunch) or a complete gearbox rebuild (£££) will fix it. If you hold it just before the crunch for a second then put it in gear it shouldn't make a noise.

Some americans claim using a chevvy gearbox oil cures it, but I can't see it curing worn parts...

[DarnPB]

As Jay said. Crunchy gearbox means synchro has gone. But it is perfectly liveable with. I did for over a year before I sold the car. You can practically illiminate it with carefull gear selection. Try changing the gearbox oil first. That sometimes helps, but if you want a completely crunch free box, then you need to replace it or repair it.