Stiff gear changes

[6n2stan]

The Polo has sat for nearly two weeks over Crimbo as we've gone everywhere in the Family car.

I come to use the Polo on Wednesday and think the gear stick is a bit stiff but put it down to using the Golf which is only 4 years old with 50k on the clock. Then the wife drives the Polo yesterday and says the same thing and today I'm back in it and it is stiff end of!

I haven't checked the oil yet but there's no leak on the garage floor. Is it a fill to spill 'box?

It isn't any noisier than before Crimbo and it still engages the gear fine. In neutral it feels normal and it doesn't free up anymore after my 30 min, 22 mile commute.

My main concern is I'm off to France tonight (in the Golf) for a week leaving the wife and 2 kids the GTI here, will it last? Linkage problem?

BTW it's an AVY 2000MY with 145K on the clock and the original 'box

[alexperkins]

It is a fill to spill box

Its likely its a linkage problem. Its certainly done some mileage, so the bushes on the ends of the shift cables may have disintegrated over time

It wont die, but its something you need to look at.

[6n2stan]

Cheers Alex,

I haven't got a Haynes manual for it so can't picture it, is it the same as any 6N2 or is it another GTI specific bit? Is there a nylon cup below the gear stick that can wear too?

[alexperkins]

Its the same on all the 6N2s - same shift mechanism

There is, but that generally doesnt wear. Its likely to be the gear shift end thats worn.

[6n2stan]

Its the same on all the 6N2s - same shift mechanism

There is, but that generally doesnt wear. Its likely to be the gear shift end thats worn.

Big job with oil draining out or fairly straightforward? Would you go with OEM parts or is aftermarket OK?

[alexperkins]

Always use OEM in my opinion

Either that or Castrol Syntrans 75w-90 Mutlivehicle

It has to be a synthetic oil regardless of what anyone tells you - alot of places beleive semi synthetic is suitable

Not too hard. Remove drain plug, drain oil, fill up, done.

[6n2stan]

OK cheers, I'll look into it when I get back week after next if it hasn't given up the ghost in the mean time on the wife!

[alexperkins]

Before you do oil, check the linkages though. No point changing the oil if it doesnt need doing!

[6N2 GTI 00]

If memory serves the box holds 2.8 litres so just make sure you get enough its about £18-20 for 3 litres from Volkswagen

I dropped the oil twice on mine and used the OEM stuff first time round but second time opted for Millers 75W90 fully synthetic which is top quality stuff

[alexperkins]

It actually depends on the build date Ben

Some are 3.2 litres depending on the build date! Just to confuse matters. If you PM me your reg number Stan I should be able to tell you which it is

Millers, OEM or Castrol are all good and fully synthetic

Halfords sell the Castrol Syntrans on the shelf, and VW generally stock their own stuff on the shelf.

[6N2 GTI 00]

Thats good to know mate, why is the capacity bigger on the later models?

Mine was a 1999 V so 2.8 was spot on

[alexperkins]

Mine was 3.2 and a 2000, but mines a crossover to complicate matters even more! lol

[6N2 GTI 00]

Good job you worked for Volkswagen mate otherwise this forum would be struggling for information

[alexperkins]

Haha it would

Too much knowledge...but hey knowledge is power

[Verity]

Gear linkage went on my car last year. Since having it done my gearbox has been like a dream! Goes into gear so smoothly. I never even thought my box was that bad, but it just made such a huge difference!