Replacement Gearbox or Repair?

M

mac911rs4

Member
Hi all.....

Thought the gearbox oil change that was undertaken had solved the issue, but no, the 3rd gear problem is back. Goes into 3rd with a double dip of clutch, sometimes goes in as normal, sometimes pops straight back out....

Is it a case of needing a replacement gearbox? or can these issues be repaired, seen a few comments on here about synchro etc....

So, that being said, apron costs for replacement or repair? any ideas greatly appreciated, don't wish to lose the car over this minor setback. Cars a 2000 1.4 petrol, fish with 90k on clock, clutch changed over a year ago with around 2k put on since then....
Thanks in advance (based in Gravesend, Kent, for any recommendations)....
Mark.
 
First and foremost, check the two main cables that travel from the gearstick to the gear selector mechanism. There's a video that explains it in full and it has been posted within the forum. Someone will no doubt link the video, I can't seem to find the link.
 
If you haven't already done so, I'd take the car to whichever independent VAG specialist local to you is the longest established and ask them for an opinion. They will be setting up the VAG gear linkage regularly and know what they are doing, that familiarity will at least mean that you'll get advice that comes from considerable experience.

Here's a video that covers setting the gear linkage cables, hopefully it's relevant:
 
Thanks Johny / Steve
I'll pass the on to them, they are good guys, but his comment a while back was change to a recon'd gearbox. I'll run this past him first... if no luck, any thoughts on replacement or repair, or would i have to have replaced?
Thanks again, Mark.
 
I've actually done this job today on the daughter inlaws TDI. I replaced the gear tower on it a while back because it had become rusted from water ingress because the water collector was missing. Since then the cables had stretched, I had the advantage that I could look at my cables and set her cables to as neat has damit to mine, job done, no more struggling to get reverse and third. Good luck mate
 
mac911rs4 said:
I'll pass the on to them, they are good guys, but his comment a while back was change to a recon'd gearbox.
Click to expand...

So what happens when you spend £600 on a reconditioned box and then once it's been fitted find the problem persists? There are times when it's clearly better to go to a specialist and this is one of them.

Some independent VAG specialists within reach of you:
Volkscar in Dartford http://volkscar.co.uk/
VASS in Swanley http://www.vassvw.co.uk/
GMS Kent in Maidstone http://gmskent.co.uk/
AudiTechnik in Tonbridge https://www.auditechnik.co.uk/
D J Hirst in Rainham http://www.rainhamgarage.co.uk/

I don't know any of those businesses, just picked off the first page of Google search results.

Audi Tech in Canterbury http://www.audi-tech.com/ specifically state that they do gearbox rebuilds. However you shouldn't assume that the problem is with the box; the box on a 1.4 petrol A2 should be good for more than 90k.
 
Cheers steve, vass is who we’ve always used...,
Gearbox had always been brilliant, my foot slipped off the clutch once and the 3rd gear crunched, from that day on its had this issue, hence I’d prefer a repair as i’m With you on replacement....issues may still arise.
 
mac911rs4 said:
Cheers steve, vass is who we’ve always used...,
Gearbox had always been brilliant, my foot slipped off the clutch once and the 3rd gear crunched, from that day on its had this issue, hence I’d prefer a repair as i’m With you on replacement....issues may still arise.
Click to expand...

Volkscar in Dartford also offer gearbox repairs via a trusted technician http://volkscar.co.uk/repairs/gearboxes/
Their claim to offer free diagnosis and a price to repair sounds attractive (depending on the price, of course).
 
heh Steve_c, volkscar farm there work out and commented, if vass told you to change gearbox, thats the best option....not good. Have tried audi tech, await their repsonse and found a repair place in gravesend, await their comment too....not looking too good at present....
 
In my experience with the gearbox repair places I’ve dealt with over the years by the time they have stripped it and quoted you kiss good by to £500++ if it was me get a good box from one of the lads on here or low mile breaker cheapest option ..easy to fit ..good luck
 
cheers greywolfhound, called around, couple pointed back towards vass, who i've always used. Spoke with Spence there, he's passing me to his gearbox repair company, dismantle, rebuild, around £1k, guaranteed 12 months etc etc, I've always trusted him. His comment re recon to begin with wasn't taking into account our cars a keeper (in our mind) so happy with the expense....through gritted teeth....Cheers...
 
I think I have just accidentally deleted a FaceBook thread on this subject. Contributions here are safe from my fat fingers.
90k is low mileage for third gear syncro to fail. I would:
- Adjust the cables, 30 minute job on your drive.
- Check the health of the tower and if its sick fix it or replace it. It is not wasted money because even if the problem does turn out to be the syncro the new tower was needed and will stay on your reconned box.
This thread details my experience, do not throw big bucks at it just yet. My box is currently on 160k miles with no sign of weakness on third gear. https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/gear-change-issues-2003-tdi-150k-miles.34450/
 
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