1st gear on it's way out?

[Mouse_GTI]

I had a thread a few weeks ago about my car making "woooooo-ing" noises when accelerating doing speeds between 10 and 50 mph. They didn't seem to be going from the gearbox though. However today, I was driving to work and was stuck in start/stop traffic. I put the car into 1st from 2nd or 3rd at lower speeds for engine breaking and whilst doing so there was a really loud "woo" coming from the gearbox. It literally sounds like a jet engine shutting down I'm not joking. It is quite loud and the first time I've noticed anything over my music. Is this a bad sign?

The car didn't do it on Saturday and yesterday I drove from Aberdeen to Glasgow and back 270 miles with no problems.

[Tim_GTi]

Yeh that doesn't sound too good mate. Precisely why I try and avoid gear braking as much as possible.

Next time you do it, put the clutch down and see if it goes?

[Mouse_GTI]

The minute I putch in the clutch it stops. I'm gonna just use my brakes today

[Mouse_GTI]

http://www.clubpolo.co.uk/forum/index.p ... pic=134817

Some possible explanations so far

[Tim_GTi]

Well it's definitely 'box related.

Gearbox oil, I don't know how to check the level myself, would also like to know! I'm not sure it's possible though.

To change the oil, on the right hand side of the 'box there's two 17mm hex bolts next to each other in a vertical line, identical to each other. the lower one you open to drain the oil, the other you use to fill it up. Your better off draining the whole lot and refilling. It takes around 2.7 litres. Turn the wheels to get the diff moving to ensure all oil is drained and used when filling back up!

I'm going to try this out for myself when I have a spare minute over the next few weeks.

[Mouse_GTI]

Cheers for that Tim. Anyone know the gearbox oil type? If not I'm sure VW will (should) know. I'm glad the problem isn't when going up through the gears, but then it's all linked together so I'm a little worried. I can easily afford a repair bill because I'm on good money-ish

[Tim_GTi]

Tegwin recommended me castrol SMSX full synethetic for the 'box.

[Si_GTi]

I got my gearbox oil flushed and renewed at my local dealership back at 77k miles. Must go see about doing it again! IIRC it cost about £30.

[Mouse_GTI]

That's pretty good Si for a dealer price

edit: I've asked on other forums and they have suggested the release bearing. Doing a search on here reveals it's a common problem and nothing too major. My MOT is due in 2 months so I will wait til then. When raising the clutch in 1st I've just been putting it into neutral now. Releasing the clutch whilst in all other gears there is no noise present and it's fine

[Tim_GTi]

£30 is still alot for what's involved though.

Ohh does it make the noise when the clutch is up? Not down?

[Mouse_GTI]

Just when I'm driving in first and take my foot off the gas then the noise will come as the revs die

[Tim_GTi]

Arite okay, sounds like the gears then. I've encountered problems with two release bearings, and both ahve been when you put the clutch DOWN, not UP. So opposite to 'box problems and whines.