VW Golf - Gearbox Problems

[fitzie79]

Hi,

I have a 2000 VW Golf. Recently I have had problems changing into 1st and 2nd gears. When I go to change into 1st from neutral and from 1st to 2nd it is sometimes very difficult and I need to push really hard to change the gear. I have the clutch fully in but it makes no difference. This problem only occurs some of the time and the rest of the time the transition is smooth. Also I never have the problem changing into other gears. Anyone have any idea as to what could be causing this???

[Gerry80]

What kinda milage is on it?Also,did this become apparent all of a sudden or over a length of time?

[larsen_huw]

The two things which spring to mind are either worn synchromesh or a worn clutch.

Try double declutching. If that helps things then it's the synchromesh (expensive) ... if it makes no difference it's more likely your clutch is on the way out. Do you get any clutch slip (revs rise ... speed doesn't) under hard acceleration? That's another indication that the clutch is on the way out.

If you're unsure, a double declutch from 1st to 2nd is:

1st gear.
clutch in.
into neutral.
let clutch out.
press clutch back in again.
into second gear.
clutch out again.

Hope that's of some help.

Huw.

[fitzie79]

mileage is 39k - noticed it over time - at first though that it might be because I wasnt used to the gears etc.

Will try the double declutch and see if i still have the problem