gearboxes, are they all bad?
Discussion
just want your thoughts on VW gearboxes. I’ve got an R reg 1.4 mk4 polo, and I find that if I'm a little quick with the gear change when cold I crunch the synchromesh. To be fair, only the synchromesh between 1st and 2nd however just wondered if anyone else has this kind of issue with there pride n joy?
Thanks all,
Ash
Thanks all,
Ash
I have a very similar problem on first and second on the GTI-6. First is essentially impossible to engage without crunching if the car is in motion, and even when stopped it sometimes needs working to engage. Second is much better, but there is considerable resistance when moving down the box into it, and when making rapid upshifts.
I suspect that the sychro has gone on first and is on the way out on second. That said, at my last service I was told that the clutch is well on the way out, although I haven't noticed this (I guess you get used to it). Could this be a possible cause?
New gearbox oil may be needed, but to be honest I want to have the engine rebuilt (radiator is on its last legs and the water pump is showing initial signs of leaks), the gearbox overhauled and the clutch replaced so I'm currently living with the problems in the box.
I suspect that the sychro has gone on first and is on the way out on second. That said, at my last service I was told that the clutch is well on the way out, although I haven't noticed this (I guess you get used to it). Could this be a possible cause?
New gearbox oil may be needed, but to be honest I want to have the engine rebuilt (radiator is on its last legs and the water pump is showing initial signs of leaks), the gearbox overhauled and the clutch replaced so I'm currently living with the problems in the box.
Iceash said:
just want your thoughts on VW gearboxes. I’ve got an R reg 1.4 mk4 polo, and I find that if I'm a little quick with the gear change when cold I crunch the synchromesh. To be fair, only the synchromesh between 1st and 2nd however just wondered if anyone else has this kind of issue with there pride n joy?
Thanks all,
Ash
I drive a 1.4 litre 51 plate Skoda Fabia. As its a VAG car I'm willing to bet a few quid that it has the same engine gearbox combo, albiet with more modern fuel injection. I had an old Skoda Felica on an N plate and it had what looked like the same engine block as my current Fabia.
As the Felica and the Polo were VAG stablemates back in 96, I'm willing to bet they have the same engine.
Anyhoo, the gearbox in the Fabia is a disgrace. Its a sod to shift, but is better while cold.
for what its worth my clutch does all its business in the first 1/5th of its travel.
I was suspicious that the clutch was dragging and that was what was causing it difficulties in shifting, so I jacked the front of the car up and got someone to tell me when the airborne wheel started to spin as I raised the clutch. With the clutch fully disengaged in first the wheels weren't rotating, so I know the clutch isn't dragging.
Anyone got any ideas on why its a crappy shifter?
Andy
Molyslip is about the worst thing you can do to a box with ailing synchromesh! The synchros are supposed to work by cutting through the oil film and "grabbing" at the rotating shafts to alter their speed. Anything that makes it harder for them to get through the lubrication will make the changes worse (IMO)!
B19GRR said:
Weird, my gfs old 1.4 SEAT Ibiza (52 plate) had just about the best gear change I've ever come across. Once again it must be the same engine and box as the current VAG Polo equivalents.
Cheers,
Rob
Not necessarily. There are two different type of engines. The old 8 valve engine that predates the dinosaurs and the much better more modern twin cam engine, that no doubt comes with a better gearbox.
I've drive a Skoda 1.3 litre 12valve engine and its much better than my 8 valve engine despite theoretically having less torque but the same power. (different gear ratios/final drive)
Andy
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff