Gearbox Stuck In First

[PhilT]

Gearbox is stuck in first. AA man checked and says its not the linkages, thought it might be the selector yoke; and Relayed me home.

 

Any thoughts, ideas, reassuring comments welcomed; not a new box I hope!

[Neils TDi again]

MK1 TDi gearboxes have a habit of breaking the 7mm bolt that holds the selector onto the shaft, can be replaced from above by removing the battery tray but leaves the head of the broken bolt in the gearbox, hopefully in an area where it wont cause a problem.

 

I have had two go like this and although it is a cheap fix (the bolt came out of a Peugeot 405 deisel pump) its also likely that most would recommend a gearbox strip to solve the problems.

[PhilT]

Thanks Neil, that sounds more hopeful but just a couple of questions if I may. Underneath the battery tray there is a metal shelf (for want of a better word) which is spot welded to the body and restricts access; did you remove that? Also is there a removal top to the box to gain access, it looks like one casting?

 

Phil

[Neils TDi again]

on the top of the gearbox the selector shaft should be held in with five 10mm af bolts (or Cap screws cant remember which) this will enable the selector assembly to be lifted out.

 

You cannot remove the main battery support bracket but removing the bolts enables you to drop the gearbox enough to remove the selector shaft. Supported on a jack I hasen to say.

[PhilT]

A thousand thank yous Neil, worked a treat an saved me over a grand for a fitted recon. box (which would probably have meant scapping the car).

 

Now as long as that bolt head stays well and truly stuck to the swarf magnet we'll be OK .......

[PhilT]

Since the "replace the sheared off bolt" repair the linkage has been a bit sloppy, especially 2nd to 3rd. Haynes talks about tightening up the linkages and possibly needing a special tool, any advice or tips on this please anyone?