Help! MK2 Golf Gti experts. Gearbox/clutch problem!

jegz

jegz

jegz

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Joined
30 Mar 2004
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Location
Edmonton
Just went to tesco parked up did my shopping etc... got back in the car and started it up and it wouldnt go into gear

Not any of the gears! Apart from crunching into reverse (then it moved slowly with the clutch still depressed ).

Managed to get it into first and limped home changing by depressing the clutch and giving it some revs and it would go into first, same into second then fine into 3rd (not from stationary though).

You could say im slightly annoyed

Any help to clarify what the problem is/break the bad news would be greatly appreciated!!
 
Sounds clutch related rather than gearbox related. How does the pedal feel?
The cable might have "slipped" although in all honesty it's quite well secured at the gearbox end.
Is yours an 8v? I can't remember. Open the bonnet and you can see the clutch cable, it arcs from the bulkhead to the right of the engine bay as you look at it, passes the header tank and goes down to the clutch arm on the gearbox. The clutch arm is pretty substantial and should be straight. Check it hasn't bent, and then get someone to sit in the car pressing the pedal, see if the cable is actually moving the arm up and down.

If it is, we can look at it being a problem with the clutch itself. If it isn't, it could be a problem with the cable. Always hard to diagnose over the internet of course!

I would say try moving the arm by hand but it's bloody difficult and you probably won't manage it unless you have arms like Arnie.
 
Legends! Who you gonna call? Overclockers ;)

Was raging in the carpark with a boot load of shopping and a pregnant misses in the passenger seat!

Its a 16v. The biting point on the clutch was particularly high before it broke but there was still weight in the pedal on the way back.

Just got the misses to push the clutch for me and it is indeed still moving the arm and it doesn't look bent.

(If it helps the car seemed to move slightly, albeit very slowly, if you tried to push it into gear with the clutch engaged.)

Cheers
 
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With the engine off, will it go into all gears?

If it will, but won't with the engine running, it's almost sure to be clutch and/or cable related.
I'd start with checking the cable out, adjust it up as much as you can, you are looking to shorten the length of the cable. See if that improves it.
If that works then it's quite likely the cable has just stretched and it's past it's best. Worn clutches usually have a higher bite point but if it was that close to dying I'd expect it to be slipping already....
 
I can't remember whether it would in the carpark as I was in anger mode but it seems to go into gear with the engine off (clutch depressed or not although thats normal isn't it?). Its been sat for a while now so has cooled down if that would have any bearing on the situation.

The clutch didn't slip, if anything it was super sharp as far as it is awkward to pull away slowly/drive in stop start traffic.

I really hope it is as simple as the cable has slipped. I assume the plastic giggedy wotsit on the end of the cable tightens/slackens it? (I have a haynes manual so will look later)

Just seems strange it was fine into the car park and parking then was broken on start up :(
 
clutch failing to disengauge.

check the cable is still in place. failing that youve got a dead release bearing or thrust plate
 
Bit of an update and further quizzing! :D

Tightened the cable as far as physically possible with the adjuster but still no joy. It made the pedal heavier and felt better as in there was no play in the pedal but it still wont go into gear with the engine on :(

I guess this means that the bearings in the clutch have gone?

I dont really have the facilities to replace the clutch kit at my place does anyone have an idea on a rough cost?
 
Does sound like there is at least a possibility the clutch isn't disengaging.

No idea on a swap cost, from memory the part is about £50 but it's been a while.
 
Yeah looking around a full clutch kit isn't too costly @ about £80 for the lot! but I imagine the labour is fairly intensive :(

Do you reckon it would be possible to do with it on axle stands with 2 people? Might give it a go myself.
 
You're in Exeter right?

Me and my mate could come out and look at it for you, we've done numerous clutches and engine swaps, he's a qualified mechanic.
 
Hey dude!

I am indeed in Exeter. What do you guys charge? I would be willing to help out too as its a learning process!

Couldnt see an email addy in you trust. fire me an email and we can go from there. :D
 
Heya, yea I'm in Taunton, but were often in Exeter.

No idea in cost until we look at it, but I'm pretty sure the clutches are cheap for these anyway.

I'll email you now.
 
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