gear selection problems

[rennsport]

when my '90 GTI 16v gets hot the gears become more difficult to select, and the box feels almost as if there is a load of sand in it - initially i thought this might be that the clutch on it's way out, but it's not as if if only bites at the top of the pedal.

can someone tell me if the brake and clutch work off the same hydraulic fluid circuit and it could be that the fluid has degraded and needs changing ? or do i need a new clutch, or worse a new box ?

please excuse my appalling lack of mechanical knowledge.

[jezza16v]

The Mk2 clutch is cable operated, no hydraulics. Which gears are you having problems with?
If its first, reverse & fifth then the problem you have may be that the heat from the exhaust is making the relay shaft bush 'soft' which makes side to side movements of the stick less effective, it probably means the bushes are pretty knackered. Have a look in the 'mk2 maintenance and info' section at the gear linkage repair guide, there's loads of info in there.

[rennsport]

that sounds likely as i've just had a new exhaust fitted - will check out the maintenance section. tnk u

[jezza16v]

Also, check the gearbox oil level.

[shaolindan]

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=149456.0

This should help, just fitted mine with the weight and it's like I fitted a new gear box and clutch...

[rennsport]

very impressive forum. tnks a lot

[Neo Badness]

You can get the kit to replace the shift rods and ball off ebay for cheeep, TSR do a more expensive kit that eliminates the plastic bits and there is a company called missing linkz that do kits too but pricey.

Weighted shift rod will improve feel (I fitted one, tis good) but would not eliminate underlying problem.

If your exhaust is getting them hot then some sort of exhaust wrap might be in order but seems odd as I've never had that problem myself.

[Reasty]

B&B components do a full gear linkage and bush repair kit it's about 30 quid but it's very good,I have one on my 16v and it's made a massive difference to gear selection 

[jezza16v]

There's supposed to be a little aluminium heat shield that clips on to the linkage, if they go missing the plasitc bushes can get heat soaked and go soft.

[Neo Badness]

There's supposed to be a little aluminium heat shield that clips on to the linkage, if they go missing the plasitc bushes can get heat soaked and go soft.

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