Mk 2 Gearbox Problem

[AutoCareUK]

Hi all

I've just joined this forum and it looks great with some helpful people. Which is just what I need!

I recently bought a 1989 Mk2 Golf GTI 8v after wanting one for years. My plan is to try and do most of the work on it myself and learn more about the Golf as go (i'm not a mechanic!).

The problem I have at the minute is with the gearbox. The car has a brand new clutch, clutch cable and pedal box but when you change gear it makes a loud metal on metal clunk. I'm hoping someone with good knowledge is going to tell me that there is something common and not too horrific that I should look for. As you can imagine what I'm hoping I dont hear is "Your gearbox is f**ked."   

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Waspy]

Hard to tell from your description. But here are a few points to note, depending on how serious this clunk is:

- Are you used to a modern gearbox? A 25 year old box will feel VERY mechanical by comparison.
- Does it happen on every gear? A crunch into second gear is very common.
- Bushes could be shot.

[sparkplug]

i would look at the rod linkages & bushes ,from the gear lever to the box  there are kits to replace them

[VW BUSH]

i would look at the rod linkages & bushes ,from the gear lever to the box  there are kits to replace them

Do this first as its easy.
When your stroking the correct length and getting no slop left and right you know that the error in the box if crunching persists. .....

[AutoCareUK]

Thanks for the replies it's much appreciated.

It does clunk into every gear but second is the worst. I'll take the advice and check out the bushes and rod linkages.

Thanks again, looks like this forum will be a good help in the coming months!!!

[VW BUSH]

2nd is a sign the sync mechanism is on its way, quite common.
Does reverse jump out as well?
Changing the oil in the box can help, do this with the link kit as its only another 30 mins and £10 of oil.

[Sgt_Lemon]

You could try changing the gearbox oil also. Will either help or highlight if your box is f**ked so you know to start looking for a replacement.

Edit: VW bush went and said the same thing whilst I was typing aha

[AutoCareUK]

Thanks lads.

I doesn't jump out of reverse, yet! I'll do the gearbox oil this weekend. Looks like i'm going to be kept busy!!!! 

[Sgt_Lemon]

When doing the plug make sure you undo the fill plug first. If you get the drain plug off and then you can't get the fill plug off it complicates things.

[The Mighty Elvi]

Lots of Mk2 gear box info here:

http://brokevw.com/