Gearbox - what to do?

**PeterHBne** · 14-08-2008, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by mitch_gti

Please dont feel as though this is a rude question but are you guys quite hard on your polos or something?
My gearbox feels perfect. How many kms had you done before it started acting up?

No - I really am easy on my car - it started making a mild groaning noise around 3,000kms ago (I've done 32,000) and has gotten really bad in the last 1,000.

Also I have none of the crunching issues at shift change unless it's a reaaaal quick change from 1 to 2 at high revs, but that's more a case of beating the cables and syncrhos I believe.

What worries me is that I believe the gear box they replace your crap gear box with is the same gear box - ie - no modifications. So if this is going to be a hit and miss affair I don't look forward to 101,000kms when you are on your own as far as the gear box is concerned.

**GT3** · 14-08-2008, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by PeterHBne

What worries me is that I believe the gear box they replace your crap gear box with is the same gear box - ie - no modifications. So if this is going to be a hit and miss affair I don't look forward to 101,000kms when you are on your own as far as the gear box is concerned.

The thing is Peter, we can't be sure if it's the design of the gearbox itself or the synthetic oil that (was) used in them (or combination of both) that was the key contributing factor. For those of us who did quite a number of klms with the synthetic oil in their gearboxes, even with the recall (35A7), it might be too little too late

While my crunching stopped after the oil was changed, it still doesn't feel as good as it used to, and I don't hold out in hope that it will go the distance long-term.

In your case, if they end up changing your gearbox, the best long-term strategy is to ensure you have the best possible mineral-based oil in there and resist the temptation to change gears quickly. That's all any of us can do in the circumstances.

**insanekiwi** · 14-08-2008, 02:09 PM

I have taken my into VW dealer today and got the new service manager to have a look at my car.

I've complaint that previous managers did not even bother investigating it further. They checked the oil level and quality of it, said it's all fine, looks brand new.

Anyway, he thinks it may be the thrust bearing for mine, so he will put on diagnostic tests on engine / gearbox / wheel bearings, etc.

So that's booked in for next Friday. Hope they find something and fix it...

He told me to use the original gearbox oil for now, as I still have the factory warranty. It runs out February next year, he said then I should try different brands, which is fair enough. He sounds like a decent guy, I'll keep you guys uptodate.

**Jmac** · 14-08-2008, 05:03 PM

Peter Pm sent mate

**PeterHBne** · 27-08-2008, 01:16 PM

Saw Highway VW on Fri - quick drive with a (young) tech - problem with 1st gear is ear bleedingly obvious. Told him that I am on a VW board and am very familiar with all the gearbox probs (to avoid any crap excuses). He said that they don't replace anymore, they pull apart and fix.

So, I ask the old guy with the bung nose on the desk to look into it further (Arthur?) and he gets someone else to go for a drive.

10 mins later Arthur says they will put a new transmission on order.

So, mine now joins the growing ranks of Polo GTI's with new gearboxes.

**BLN355** · 27-08-2008, 01:24 PM

Good to see its getting sorted Mate.

On a similar note all the GTI's with gearbox probs are starting to turn me off the GTI,are there any stronger less problematic boxes on the market that can replace the stock polo box if it dies?

**PeterHBne** · 27-08-2008, 01:31 PM

My real problem wih the whole gearbox thing is that the gearbox they replace the f****d gearbox with is the same gearbox. So it's a coin toss wether your new gearbox is a goodie or another crap one. So God help your wallet if the new gearbox lasts till 101,000kms.

I know the oil is now mineral rather than synthetic but I find it hard to believe that oil is causing this.

Must admit, the whole gearbox thing nearly turned me off buying a Polo as well.

Read that HUGE 'Dog & Lemon Guide' (I think it's called?) - Polo's have had gearbox problems forever. Quite pathetic on VW's behalf in my opinion.

**hkogti** · 27-08-2008, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by GT3

VW generally build good cars, but there's two things they're absolutely s*ite at: 1. gearboxes 2. electric window regulators.

Agreed...

My front driver window will automatically go down when my mobile phone ring...

Change a new mobile, problem fixed...

Gear box crunch is getting worst and it never happens with my previous cars, so i m pretty sure this is not my driving problem...