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Posted: 02 Aug 2006, 08:55
by SplendiferousII
Well lads, bearing in mind my box is only for a 2wd - so far its been a piece of pi$$ to do. I have actually taken longer to clean the bathroom than it took to drop the gear box out. Seriously!

I've pulled the box apart and found the problem (yep one ball sleeve missing) I'll be replacing the whole lot whilst I'm in there. The gearbox itself is in as new condition with no wear or tear anywhere. But then that's of no real surprise as it was full of oil and the 1.6 n/a engine hardly puts it under any load.

VW will have the parts for me tomorrow, so I will throw it all back together and hopefully that's that! - Fingers crossed anyway.

As to wether it was worth the effort or not - No probably not! Now I can see what those ball sleeves do and that fact if they are missing everything still works. The selector rod had worn away about 1mm of the housing so it must have failed ages and ages ago. The box would probably have gone on for ever as it was. Still I must say I am pleased I have done the job as I will now be happy at least, nothing worse than doubt.

Posted: 02 Aug 2006, 09:33
by HarryMann
So what do you reckon they do, just support the selector shafts or add a good bit of detent locking (positioning) when in gear as well?

Are you going to use JB Weld or similar to help bond the new ones back in place....

JB Weld

Posted: 02 Aug 2006, 09:47
by SplendiferousII
Harry Thats a ferkin great idea!

JB weld Its the future! I know! I've tried it!

They just act as bearings nothing more than that. They do not lock the selectors in position like a detent.

Posted: 02 Aug 2006, 09:53
by HarryMann
Yup, degrease VERY well, the main thing I suppose is ensuring the insert bush is aligned spot on.. i.e. there is enough non-mullered hole to locate its true position accurately.

Posted: 02 Aug 2006, 10:09
by SplendiferousII
Yes easily. there is a slot worn on one side but the original alignmet slot is untouched.