Gear Linkages

[Brads MK2 GTI]

Hi peeps,

Is it possible that if the gear linkage is mis-aligned you could select the same gear in two posistions on the gear stick? My 4th and 5th gear seem to have the same ratio, same RPM at all speeds!

[nige_s]

Something isn't right there, 3rd and 5th is an easy one for a worn linkage to give, but 4th and 5th is an odd one.

[Brads MK2 GTI]

Hmm that's not good then, was hoping it was likley to be that.

[Mr Blue]

I had a similar problem on a 16v.

There was a securing nut that worked loose. Sounds like the rod alignment is out.

Doesnt hurt to change the bushes. cheaper than a box!

[Brads MK2 GTI]

Well that's cool news then, I haven't looked into it yet, but everyone agrees that it is possible to select the same gear in two positions because of likage problems. I better get looking into it then!

[Mew]

Has it just happened or have you just bought the car?

[rubjonny]

linkage faq
could be the relay shaft ball has come off, or you have a cracked plastic ball end

[DarnPB]

linkage faq
could be the relay shaft ball has come off, or you have a cracked plastic ball end

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What he said. Balls!
But also the linkeages, as has been already mentioned, could also be out of alignment. Even with the ball missing, you should still be able to select all gears, but the gearstick will feel like stirring a rice pudding.

[Brads MK2 GTI]

Yeah no I've had the car for a few years now. Must have happened recently ish, couldn't give an exact date as I rarely use 4th, normally block shift from 3rd to 5th and cruise in that! Although I do need to do a bit of work down that area anyway, you wouldn't believe the amount of sideways and up & down travel on the stick!

[rubjonny]

yeah a mixture of relay shaft and worn under car housing I think!