Few little questions re my new mk2

[Waspy]

So I bough a mk2 (8v, 3dr) on Monday, it was tidy both inside and out and the right price so I went for it. It goes fine (pulls like a freight train) and is fun ride. There are just a few questions I want to put to you guys. Hoping to tap into the wealth of knowledge.

1. Apparently it has a short shift gear box. This is nice and all, but I find it clumsy as hell. Now, I don't have the experience to be able to tell if the clumsiness (hard to get it gear sometimes and generally doesn't feel accurate or precise) is due to the linkages, the clutch (the clutch cable looks very tired) or the box itself. I plan on replacing the cable anyway, was wondering about self-adjust vs manual.

2. It is lowered on coilovers. I don't have an issue with this, but it seems to be lowered more on the driver side front wheel. This seems to cause very slight rubbing while driving, and then substantial rubbing (grinding) when I turn hard left. How easy is this to fix? Is it a case of raising that side slightly, or will there be more to it?

And actually, those are the main two issues I have at the mo. I have very little mechanical know how, but I am very keen to learn, so i am not afraid to get my hands dirty.

Thanks for helping a noob out guys!

[Gambit]

1. Get a manual cable. Also, check for the short shift, and if it was me id remove it. you can see it in this link

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll11/notchnut/My%20Golf/4deae84c.jpg

also, if you dont have weighted shift rod, the one in the pic with the big lump of metal around it, go but one. they cost £11 from VAG

2. Check your top mounts, sounds more like the front one is knackered

[X4MGS]

Welcome to MK2 ownership...


1, are you sure it's a short shift and not just a weighted shift? sounds like the bushes in the engine bay need replacing. a picture of the back of the gearbox would help...


2, sounds like the coilovers are at different heights, get them off and fit some Eibach springs (-40mm not - 60mm IMO) and decent shocks Bilsten etc ECP offer forum discount on here. This will improve ride and handling 100%.

[Waspy]

1. Get a manual cable. [This does seem to be the consensus, why is it better?] Also, check for the short shift, and if it was me id remove it. [I don't really mind the short throw, it is just the dodgy changes I'm unhappy with, so I may remove it after I have sorted all other potential problems] you can see it in this link

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll11/notchnut/My%20Golf/4deae84c.jpg

also, if you dont have weighted shift rod, the one in the pic with the big lump of metal around it, go but one. they cost £11 from VAG [Yep, I'll get one. Sounds good.]

2. Check your top mounts, sounds more like the front one is knackered [Will do.]

Cheers for the suggestions mate.

Welcome to MK2 ownership... [Thanks  ]


1, are you sure it's a short shift and not just a weighted shift? [Pretty sure] sounds like the bushes in the engine bay need replacing. a picture of the back of the gearbox would help... [Okay, I'll try and get pics]


2, sounds like the coilovers are at different heights, get them off and fit some Eibach springs (-40mm not - 60mm IMO) and decent shocks Bilsten etc ECP offer forum discount on here. This will improve ride and handling 100%. [New shocks doesn't sound cheap, if possible I would rather make what I have work, at least until I have a bit more cash in my back pocket. Also, is this a job for a novice, or a garage joby?]

Thanks for your help, something to consider!

[X4MGS]

Not difficult TBH and not as expensive as you may think.


Haynes manual, set of spring compressor's, VW strut nut set, 13, 17 & 22mm spanner & sockets... Simple

[Waspy]

Not difficult TBH and not as expensive as you may think.


Haynes manual, set of spring compressor's, VW strut nut set, 13, 17 & 22mm spanner & sockets... Simple

Well that is reasuring, at least I know I could have go.
But still, a set of springs and shocks will set me back nearly £300 (unless I am missing something), which isn't much for what it is really, but like I say, I would rather attemp a fix first. It is certainly something I will try to get done in future (hopefully), im poor after buying a car 

[X4MGS]

1st thing to do is get the wheels off and inspect what might be the problem & then see whats needed from there... If a springs broken you may have to bite the bullet, if it's top mounts they will need replacing which means taking the suspension to bits anyway...

[Waspy]

Yeah, I've been busy since I got it, so I can only go on what I have felt/heard so far while drive, but at the weekend ill be able to properly assess what's going on

[Mr Blue]

As you are running on coilovers - check for any leaks on the suspension. A blown coilover shock makes the ride VERY bouncy.

Now measure the height adjustment threads on both sides. They should both be the same.

If you do need to replace the topmounts then fit mk3 ones. A few threads on this also.

The only problem with shocks and springs is that you run a risk of an un-even height. It's either nose down or back down and there is no adjustment.

You can buy short shift kits. They just extend one of the linkages which gives you a shorter gear change throw. Check the linkages for any add-on's. Should just be thin rods or one with a weight on it (mk3)

[Waspy]

The ride definitely isn't bouncy, but I will check for any leaks.

The height was what my first thought was (being different), so I will get them measured.

Thanks for all the help and advise so far guys!

EDIT: Thanks for the word on shifts, ill take a look