gear linkage and relay shaft bush

[fozzie]

Ok, I got halfway through replacing the gear linkage (with the GSF kit) when i found the relay shaft bush was being held together by oxygen!

I also managed to break the plastic clip on the long shift rod.

So I have taken the initiative and ordered a weighted shift rod, replacement shift rods, and this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&item=330005218418&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1


Has anyone else used this (as it's not VAG)??

It looks just fine to me, but I thought it prudent to ask whether anyone else had used one and had it melt or something?

Wokka, wokka, etc..

Also, does anyone know if its possible to replace the clear plastic disc on the top of a golf-ball gear knob?

[Judderi]

I used the same really when doing mine and it works a treat. For £8 you cant go wrong.

Got mine from here

http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/ForSale/ShiftLinkage.shtml

[fozzie]

excellent!

thanks for coming back to me, now I can fit that part and all the rest after work and go out for a nice quiet and sedate drive.

 

[fozzie]

 
right.

now first point to make is that the bush doesnt fit easily over the grooved spindle on the realay shaft.

I heated it up in a cup of hot water, but it would not play ball. So I pushed it on with a vice!

It split.

But it was on, so there it stayed.

Now i have used the tool, It is supposed to be in neutral isn't it???
but I cant get 2nd gear.

Now i when i put the tool back on to check, the car is virtually in first gear! how did that happen???

Once the engine cools down, I can re-adjust that bracket on the shift rod I guess?

any advice is appreciated!

[rubjonny]

did you remove all the remenants of the old bush, leaving just a white splined bit?
You need to put it in neutral, fit the tool then loosen the pinch bolt on the linkage and move so that the box levers are all central & tighten it again.

Have you read through the linkage repair guide in the MK2 maintenance + info section?

[rubjonny]

well in the engine bay the linkages will want to sit in neutral on their own, so you need top make sure that when the stick is set with the tool all the linkages are in their natural position if that makes sence?
Also have you checked the stick housing under the car, grab the gear knob and pull it upwards, if there is any movement the housing under the car is worn and needs replacing. 
The info you need is in the gearlinkage repair guide

[Judderi]

I found it best to undo the pinch bolt. Then put the tool in place. Then tighten up the pinch bolt.

[fozzie]

Thanks very much Rubber, and Mk2!

That's cleared up things for me a bit, so i can now adjust the clip later and hopefully be able to drive again!

CRUNCH! :embarassed:

[rowlers]

I'm the guy who sold you it!

The bushes do fit, and it is tight (meant to be "interference fit") so that it doesn't come back off!

You should have emailed me for advice before heating it up (which will alter the characteristics of the Nylon and hence your cracked bush!) and wacking it in a vice!

So for the record everyone - the bushes do fit (I have fitted exactly the same to my valver - tapped it on with a hammer), but be sure to ask questions before messing about!

[fozzie]

Didn't intend to put your name into disrepute Rowlers! :embarassed:

But for the record I tried wacking in on witha hammer before dropping the bush into hot water or using a vice!

The bush just wouldn't go on!

Anyway, it's on now so no harm is done and although cracked it should do the job just fine. If I we're to do the job again (as a novice) I might buy the VAG part as it was quite frustrating! That said, it is all aprt of the learning curve isn't it?

No offence meant mate, just telling it like it happened for me.

The car is now back on the road, still need to replace the ball joint under the gearstick though and I am not looking forawrd to that as i hear it's a really fiddly job!