Hi all Relative newbie to the VW scene and I've just got hold of my MK2 GTI 8V which I'm very pleased with. It has a very sloppy gearstick which has lots of movement in it either when it's in gear or not. It also does not go into fifth gear. When you move the gearstick to the right to try and engage fifth it actually touches the side of the gear surround which it feels like it's stopping it going over far eneough to be able to push it up into fifth?? It's not even like it's even trying to engage fifth gear when I push the gearstick upwards as there is no crunching or anything so I'm hoping this means it's not a major problem with the gearbox itself?? Have read a fair bit about the gear linkage repair kit being the solution to getting rid of the free play in the gearstick, would this also solve the problem of it not going into fifth gear?? Also, would I have to change the ball part at the bottom of the gearstick itself too? Have read something about changing or fitting a MK3 weighted rod or something?? does this contribute well to gearchange and is this a relatively straight forward job to do or does it require some modification to fit? All help appriciated! Thanks!!
There's a few queries in there, dealing with them as best I can... 1) To find 5th it sounds like you may well need to realign your gearstick. Not a tricky job with a cassette tape and a friend. There's a pinch bolt under the car at the other end of the rod that needs loosening, then the gearknob itself needs shoogling (is that a Scots word?) into place. The cassette tape is to line it up on the LHS. There's a guide on here somewhere... 2) A gear linkage repair kit will help with the free play - generally speaking the ball and cup at the bottom of the stick are replaced particularly if the car is slipping into reverse instead of 1st. You'd still need to realign as above. 3) A weighted shift rod from a mk3 golf gives a more satisfying 'clunk' into gear - it swaps like for like for the standard mk2 one and is only held in place with a couple of pins so is a straightforward swap. I'd start by realigning your gearstick and go from there...
Hello again, welcome to clubgti There are many problems with the sloppyness in the mk2 gear linkage. 1/ Worn gear linkage bushes, 2/ Worn gear linkages, 3/ Worn ball joint where gear stick is housed, 4/ Worn golf ball on the selector shaft (this is connected to the long rod from gearstick under the car) 5/ The gear linkage needs re-alineing. I would first replace all bushes supplied in the bush repair kit, one being either orange or clear colour that goes through the long rod itself (from gear stick under car to selector rod. Means you gettig under the car and removing it. You'll need to unbolt this from rear engine subframe. You will need the VW re-aline tool also, see all links below, replace all of the below and you'll be sorted lol http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mk2-golf-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5d3479458d http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Gear-S...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item230ee4cccd http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JETTA-GOL...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c50c71534 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-M...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item33585565af http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gear-Link...Model:Golf|Plat_Gen:MK+II&hash=item5894f24fcb
This kit has everything apart from VW tool. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-TOTAL...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5ae822e49f
Many thanks for all your help and advice fellas..much appriciated So as I understand it, start off by replacing the linkage bushing kit parts within the engine bay. Then replace the ball and socket parts on the gearstick along with the orange bearing ring selector part under the car. Then use the alignment tool to set the gearstick in the correct position and finish off the job. Would it be advisable to replace the cranked gear selector rod too at the same time? Also, is the Ebay stuff good quality and relaible or would I be better of buying it all from VWHeritage.com, these are the parts I've seen on there website..are they correct? http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares...81378_lang_EN_country_GB.htm?crumbStartPage=1 http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares...81366_lang_EN_country_GB.htm?crumbStartPage=1 http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares...81426_lang_EN_country_GB.htm?crumbStartPage=1 http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares...ntry_GB.htm?crumbStartPage=2&crumbStartRow=14 I don't mind spending a few more pounds on the bits if the quality of the parts is better but if they are the same as the items avaliable on ebay then it's not worth it I suppose.
When in neutral if you can lift the gearshift up then the ball and socket need replacing. TSR do a better linkage kit but are more expensive. The mk3 shift rod improves the feel of the shift and worth considering. Eurocar Parts and GSF are also worth checking for stock shifts and rods. Saves on postage!
I agree with dragonfly. I did a full resto on my MK2 so took the whole lot out and replaced the lot for quickness and saves doing it again for a long time, makes hell of a difference.
Thanks again fella for the advice and really appriciate the offer to borrow the tool but I'm on the other end of the M25 in Harrow so will probably just grab one off of ebay. Been out most of the day but I've just got back and had a quick look at the gear lever and it's definitely got a some upward movement when tugging at it, not a massive amount but still there. Going to order up all the parts needed later today so will hopefully get cracking with it all this week some time.
It's hard to say regarding the quality from both. Can't say I have ever heard of any issues buying linkages from either of the stockists.
+1 ebay stuff fitted fine and the TSR linkage is a good bit of kit got one myself full stainless can't go wrong with that for 45.
this is by far the best job i ever did on my golf. the gearchange is still lovely today and with a weighted shift rod it is super sexy.
Had a brief look under the bonnet just now and there seems to be lots of slack in the whole linkage setup so definitely a case of worn parts me thinks! The orange bush looks pretty shot along with the small plastic rod that connects towards the end of the setup having a crack in the socket part of it which looks like it's about to give way any day!!
