Syncromesh...

[GTIJazz]

So, cars been struggling to go into 1st/2nd gear of late and occasionally decides not go into 5th at all.
Decided to take it to the mechanics for them to have a look and im being told its a problem with the syncromesh and have been quoted near on £600 for a reconditioned gearbox and to have it fitted.

Just wondering if anyone could explain what the issue is as they seemed reluctant to do so and if this rings true and with anyone?

Also if i am going to be needing a new gearbox, is there any specific aftermarket part that would be recommended or is it just a VW part.

Cheers guys

[xxChrisxx]

Sounds more like the gear linkage is worn/ needs adjusting. So the gear the lever isnt lining up with the gates.

Id look at that first, its odd that both 1st and 5th are difficult.

2nd gear synchros take a hammering. 1st its unlikely, as noone downshifts to first agressively and 5th gear synchros never see abuse.

Can you engage the gears with the engine off?

[GTIJazz]

cheers for reply man, yh my assumption was also the linkages and thats what i was expecting them to tell me before they dropped this bombshell on me. Probably go to another garage for a 2nd opinion.

Have to be honest, havnt tried the gears with the engine off so will give that a try later.

Doesnt happen all the time the gears struggling to go into 1/2, when it does happen theres no grinding or noise, just an arm wrestle with the gear stick. The problem with 5th is the main one as it almost never goes into 5th

[joshstanvw]

If it's an AUM engine code there is a video on YouTube for aligning the gears if it is an agu look on top of the gearbox there is a 13mm bolt holding one of the gear shift cables in place the way it worked best on mine was to stick the car in 1st and get someone to hold it there firm then undo this bolt slightly wiggle the cable about with your hand so it settles to where it wants to be then tighten it back up. What a difference that made on mine hopefully it helps

[GTIJazz]

ok so i checked gears this morning with engine off, 5th still not having it at all. 1&2 still a pain in the @rse.

Seem to have to pull the gear stick hard left to get into 1/2 and hard right to get into 5th although for 5th at least, it sometimes needs a reet good smack across to the right which cant be healthy for the gearbox at all im guessing.

Still sound like linkages or more like synchro? in garage on Saturday for 2nd opinion.