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Tue 27 Dec 2005 22:05

VW POLO gearbox - horatio

Polo GT 1991 Jreg front wheel drive.

The reverse gear has started to crunch when selected sometimes. I can stop the engine select the gear and start up again, would this if it became worse or necessary to use this method to select reverse...fail an MOT?

What is the cure for the problem and how difficult would it be for me to do myself?

Sourcing a used gearbox for a 3F engine will not be easy.

Thanks

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Tue 27 Dec 2005 22:23

VW POLO gearbox - Roberson

ALL Polo gearboxes of this vintage will crunch when reverse is selected in a hurry. Mine does, always has. The handbook even suggests that 'grating' is inevitable, so don't panic, your g'box is finished with just yet. When reverse is wanted, stop the car (not the engine), depress the clutch and wait a few seconds (3-5) and then select reverse. You should get no crunching with this method.

If ever you needed a gearbox for the GT, I would suggest joining one of the Polo Owners clubs, and asking around on there. Incidentally, its good practice with these Polos to have the gearbox oil level checked regularly. The chances are this is NOT causing you particular problem, but thought this would be a wise time to suggest it.

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Wed 28 Dec 2005 15:10

VW POLO gearbox - Peter D

Deptess the clutch ( engine off ) to the floor and allow your foot to slip off the pedal. This will shock the auto ajust back into action and alter the bite point to further up the pedal travel and allow the clutch to fully dis-engage. Common problem. Regards Peter

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Wed 28 Dec 2005 18:51

VW POLO gearbox - horatio

Roberson,

The wait method was not working, maybe because cold weather was causing the engine to run faster, but I had just driven 30 miles.

It has been ok for the last 2 days just the ever so slightest hint of a crunch when selecting reverse now. Thanks for your reply

PeterD,

The problem has slightly cured and seems to be intermitant. As it happens my foot slipped off the clutch whilst driving and in gear, and this has not affected it. I will try your method engine off a few times to see if it helps. Thanks.

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