Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
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- shrig1969
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Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Hello all,
I have noticed over the last couple of months that I struggle to get out of 4th gear when slowing down at junctions etc....I can feel metal against metal (grinding) when being forceful with it.
I would appreciate any advice or recommendations of someone local to take a look. Hopefully it can be repaired before it gets worse.
I live around Northampton.
This is my first cry for help on this forum, so I hope I have provided all the information required for feedback.
If not please point out where I have fell short for future help.
Many thanks
I have noticed over the last couple of months that I struggle to get out of 4th gear when slowing down at junctions etc....I can feel metal against metal (grinding) when being forceful with it.
I would appreciate any advice or recommendations of someone local to take a look. Hopefully it can be repaired before it gets worse.
I live around Northampton.
This is my first cry for help on this forum, so I hope I have provided all the information required for feedback.
If not please point out where I have fell short for future help.
Many thanks
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
We had this with V's van, although hers failed completely and she wouldnt come out of 4th unless you stopped and stalled her.
I am sure someone will be along with more knowledge than me, the fact its only sometimes may mean its a different problem to ours? Always worth having a check that the linkages are lined up properly etc? In our case we had to replace the gearbox.
I am sure someone will be along with more knowledge than me, the fact its only sometimes may mean its a different problem to ours? Always worth having a check that the linkages are lined up properly etc? In our case we had to replace the gearbox.
1985 1.9TD AAZ -Starlight Interior
2015 California Beach
2015 California Beach
- itchyfeet
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Google Aidan talbot for a rebuild
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
itchyfeet wrote:Google Aidan talbot for a rebuild
Yes, I spoke to Aidan abouth this on my van a week or so back and in my case it was a rebuild or new box. Apparently continuing to drive this will eventually lead to complete failure and a recovery to a garage. I bought a replacement box.
1988 16TD Hightop | 1970 Bay Window Dormobile Project | T4 2.5 TDI Panel Daily
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Thanks all, for the advice. Aidan sounds like the man to talk to, will consider getting in touch with him for further guidance.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
-
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
I had the same problem, was told the 3rd and 4th synchro hub were on their way out. I did not have the money for a rebuild, so I sourced the same box from a reliable vender and had them swapped over. Miles better is an understatement. 

Tin top C reg van to camper conversion. 1.9 golf tdi conversion.
Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
shrig1969 wrote:Thanks all, for the advice. Aidan sounds like the man to talk to, will consider getting in touch with him for further guidance.
He is a busy man and was booking into August a few weeks ago, if you want him to do it I'd get in there or start a hunt for a suitable alternative box.
1988 16TD Hightop | 1970 Bay Window Dormobile Project | T4 2.5 TDI Panel Daily
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Just found out how far away Aidan is.
If anyone can recommend somebody in or around Northampton, I would be grateful.

If anyone can recommend somebody in or around Northampton, I would be grateful.

I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
- Bigjcc55
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
http://www.cogboxtransmissions.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My brother used this guy, think he will be a bit closer to you. He sends a courier to collect you're gearbox.
My brother used this guy, think he will be a bit closer to you. He sends a courier to collect you're gearbox.
1985 1.9 Devon moonraker
1992 2.1 SA big window syncro
1991 TDI syncro panel van
1992 2.1 SA big window syncro
1991 TDI syncro panel van
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Thanks again for all your replies.
My ideal scenario would be to deliver my van (with gearbox attached?) to a specialist nearby, who would remove, rebuild/replace and then return to me in working order, within a specified time. (A friend suggested that while the gearbox is out get the clutch replaced at the same time)
I will attempt somethings on our van, but this is way out of my league.
Keep the recommendations coming
My ideal scenario would be to deliver my van (with gearbox attached?) to a specialist nearby, who would remove, rebuild/replace and then return to me in working order, within a specified time. (A friend suggested that while the gearbox is out get the clutch replaced at the same time)
I will attempt somethings on our van, but this is way out of my league.
Keep the recommendations coming

I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
- itchyfeet
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Get a mobile mechanic to remove the box then for £55 ish you can send it anywhere by pallet
If you get a garage to do this they will have to store the van while its rebuilt
You need special tools for these gearboxes so your local options will be limited
Other option is to get an exchange box which is quicker than a rebuild of yours but possibly more expensive
If you get a garage to do this they will have to store the van while its rebuilt
You need special tools for these gearboxes so your local options will be limited
Other option is to get an exchange box which is quicker than a rebuild of yours but possibly more expensive
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
shrig1969 wrote:Thanks again for all your replies.
My ideal scenario would be to deliver my van (with gearbox attached?) to a specialist nearby, who would remove, rebuild/replace and then return to me in working order, within a specified time. (A friend suggested that while the gearbox is out get the clutch replaced at the same time)
I will attempt somethings on our van, but this is way out of my league.
Keep the recommendations coming
Makes sense while the box is out to replace the clutch, that's what I had done.
Tin top C reg van to camper conversion. 1.9 golf tdi conversion.
- itchyfeet
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- Joined: 23 Jul 2007, 17:24
- 80-90 Mem No: 12733
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Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
I agree change clutch all three parts, worth changing spigot bearing also i hear but not done it myself 

1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
Wise words, we only didn't replace the clutch as it was already new 

1985 1.9TD AAZ -Starlight Interior
2015 California Beach
2015 California Beach
- shrig1969
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- Posts: 151
- Joined: 03 Jan 2013, 21:10
- 80-90 Mem No: 11920
- Location: cornwall
Re: Gearbox not releasing in 4th gear
While driving around the Devonshire coastline 2 weeks ago, the clutch/gearbox finally gave up on us.(it wasn't like she hadn't warned us!) Unfortunately the steep winding roads and hot sun proved too much
The RAC recommended a garage in Plymouth who would deal with the problem
4 days later with a new clutch and a repaired gearbox (3/4 synchro hub
)we were back on our way (tentatively with an empty wallet
)
Our next stop was the long drive to the Latitude festival where she proved to be invaluable.
The purpose of my post was to thank you all for your advice, and advise anyone else in my situation to deal with the problem sooner rather than later.


The RAC recommended a garage in Plymouth who would deal with the problem

4 days later with a new clutch and a repaired gearbox (3/4 synchro hub



Our next stop was the long drive to the Latitude festival where she proved to be invaluable.
The purpose of my post was to thank you all for your advice, and advise anyone else in my situation to deal with the problem sooner rather than later.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual