VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs

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Thu 27 May 2004 14:35
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Peterco
Lately I?ve been experiencing after long or short motorway driving that the gears become difficult to engage after I come off the motorway. It rights itself again after a short non-motorway drive.
Does anybody know what this could be? All gears are difficult to engage, even 5th gear, which is usually the easiest.
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Thu 27 May 2004 16:20
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Peter D
Firstly lubricate the gear change rod, sliding coupler and pivits behind the engine/gearbox. Check the link rods and knucles are free to move. If that is not your problem, check the gear box oil level then come back to me. Regards Peter
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Thu 27 May 2004 22:42
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Peter D
Sorry forgot to mention ensuring the gear stick ball mechanism is well lubricated. lift the cover from inside the car and lube as appropriate. Regards Peter
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Thu 27 May 2004 23:51
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Peterco
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your reply, will check the points you mention and report back what I find. Should I lubricate the parts with normal grease or silicon grease?
Just another question slightly off the point, but do you know whether the plastic links on the gear change linkage wear over time, and should be replased if there is side to side movement in the gear lever when in gear?

peter
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Fri 28 May 2004 02:38
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Ben {P}
Does your car have cable or rod shift?
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Fri 28 May 2004 02:55
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Peterco
My car has rod shift
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Fri 28 May 2004 11:11
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Peter D
Normal grease or even the lithium spray white grease is good for this. Yes is the plastic knuckles have not been lubricated at least one a year then they may have worn, thus the play. These knuckles car be opened usind a blunt blade or suitable screw driver, cleaned, greased Castol LM and refitted. Regards Peter
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Fri 28 May 2004 12:09
VW Golf MK3 Gearbox probs - Ben {P}
The side to side movement is often caused by worn rubber bushings. Lift up the gear stick gatter and you will see the shift rod exit at the the front, there is a bush there. Additionally there is another bush in a bracket mounted on the steering rack (well there is on a mk.2), this has a significant affect on the gear change.
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