Gear shift rod keeps coming off guide pin!

[Craig81]

Hi,
My shift rod's started coming apart !! Will just renewing the guide pin bush sort it out, or do I need to adjust something?
It's on an 81 2l Aircooled.
TIA
Craig

[billy739]

any pics ? description is a bit vague?

Aircooled gearsystem is completely different form the water cooled system so pics would help.

[avant-garde]

If it is what I think it is - my Air Cooled had the same problem - Mechanic undid and removed the pin, put a few washers on it (which extends it forward) re-bolted it back on again and connect gear shift rod over it - no more problems since and gearshift is much better and not as sloppy.

Exactly the same thing happend to me on the way to Scotland...the mechanic put on two washers and now there is no way the pin will come out . Only problem is that it jumps out of 2nd gear which can be a pain.

As far as I know 'they' don't make the pin bit anymore so the only way is with washers as mentioned above.

[Craig81]

Hi
Thanks for the advice guys, here's some pics of what's happened. If I put
the joint together I can't seem to get gear!!

[Craig81]

Sorry, that last pic was pants!

[Plasticman]

The washers as said usually do it, also consider that the main rod may be incorrect at the splines and so when going to say 1st or3rd it doesnt go all the way to the rear of the pin and then when you move the stick to 2nd/4th it of course then comes too far fwd and off the pin,
I'd get under and without putting washers on refit the rod over the pin and select 1st or 3rd (do this under the van at the box if you like)and note how far back the rod part goes,
I'll bet there is room for it to go further back? if so loosen the pinch bolt and move it back and retighten, be an idea to wind some tape around the shafts and mark with a felt pen to maintain rough rotational alignment, when its as far back as it can go then nudge it forward a tadge to give some clearance, stick it in neutral crank the lump up and try the gears..
then reply back here as yes wonderfull etc etc or no its worse and Ive given cr** advice
enjoy Mike

[thebeach2008]

could this be the problem with mine , when i moved the gearlever down it jammed in forth gear and wont release from the gear stick , im now wofering if its come too far off the rod. is the pin you are talkingabout gearbox sie, sorry to hijack the post cheers

[thebeach2008]

when i get it back from the garage i will get under and take a look, yep its stuck in 4th with little movement in the gearstick, it has limited movement sideways and none backwards and forwards, well it moves slightly but feels like the rods arnt doing anything they feel stuck

[Craig81]

Thanks for the post, finally discovered that the splines on the
gearbox selector arm are worn so are spinning on shaft. re pic.
Think I could buy a one anywheres?

[Plasticman]

Wanted add, should be no problem
mike ( vw might still carry them?)