Tough gears!

[Phil Chadwick]

Just recently bought an S3 and having sooooo much fun with it!!! Love the noise and finally the sun has arrived. One question / request for help. When the car has been run for a while gear selection becomes difficult to the extent where selecting reverse requires brute force and selective deafness to the crunching noise as the gear selects. All the other gears become significantly more ''notchy'' when hot. When the car is cold all gears select absolutely fine. Is the gearbox on it''s way out (mileage is 100K +) or can I try some other things first? eg gearbox oil level etc. Would much appreciate any guidance.

[Roy C]

I would certainly check the gearbox oil level, but first take a look in the clutch cylinder reservoir, as a lack of fluid can have a similar effect. If it is low or empty, check for leaks (usually at the pedal end).

[mhibbins]

quote:One question / request for help. When the car has been run for a while gear selection becomes difficult to the extent where selecting reverse requires brute force and selective deafness to the crunching noise as the gear selects. All the other gears become significantly more ''notchy'' when hot. When the car is cold all gears select absolutely fine. Is the gearbox on it''s way out (mileage is 100K +) or can I try some other things first? eg gearbox oil level etc. Would much appreciate any guidance.

Sounds like the clutch fluid could do with changing or bleeding to me. -- Mark

[johno]

Had same trouble with my S1 (+ a bit) I found that the gearbox level was low and after topping up it resolved the trouble. Definitely check the clutch reservoir on a regular basis as these are a known failure. Usually the master cylinder, often due to the geometry of the the pedal pushes the piston in at being wrong. Even after a top up the selection on reverse is not to clever as I believe it does not have a synchro. The way to stop it is to select third and then select reverse. This has stopped it for me. Remembering of course not to let the clutch up and run into that parked car !

[Phil Chadwick]

Many thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. Looks like I now have something to do this weekend (as well as drive it!!!). Phil

[mikeb]

Selecting third before reverse does the trick (well on my old S2 anyway) - try it before getting your hands dirty! Mike

[apache]

Phil, check out the "stiff gearstick" thread under tvr chimera Edited by apache on Sunday 10th June 11:29