Gearbox - what to do?

[PeterHBne]

As some of you heard on Saturday, my 1st gear is on the way out – rapidly worsening groaning noise.

Obviously a warranty issue.

I’m in two minds as to what to do. My preference is for a new gearbox (might as well), however my concern is that the dealer will simply fix whatever the issue is with first gear.

So should I continue to drive until first gear sheets itself and hopefully causes collateral damage elsewhere in the box?

Jmac – you’ve heard it – what way do you reckon Highway VW are likely to go?

[thestu]

hey man i have heard of lots of problems with the polo boxs...they won't rip the gear out and replace way to much in parts and labour. they will just replace the box...just shag it a bit more but tell them about it now...

[GT3]

Unfortunately, you won't be the one determining what gets replaced and what doesn't - VWA will. First thing is to book it in with the most reputable VW dealer in your area. Once there, they'll seek VWA's permission to undergo a diagnotic of your gearbox. Based on what they discover in the diagnostic, they'll report that to VWA who will then inform the dealer what to do, ie repair existing damage or replace the gearbox. Make sure your car presents as stock as possible or VWA will attribute any damage to mods if they can. ..and good luck.

[Timbo]

^^^ good advice there. The dealer gets paid by VWA for warranty work, so they will only do what VWA authorises. That said, I suspect it may be cheaper to VWA to pay for a complete box replacement (swap in/out) rather than the extra time and effort associated with a specific gear set (dismantle/rebuild).

[DaveMack]

Pete ... take it to Highway VW ... not the city mob. Jimmy has a mate at Highway and they've done good warranty work on mine (aircon).

Cheers and good luck, Mate.

Dave

[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?

[Kai]

I whinged about my gearbox. And they gave me a new one. But its not a polo gearbox. I have no idea what its from. None of the bolts line up like they use too. And you can see where my old gearbox lined up.

[DaveMack]

My gearbox is fine ... no trouble after more than 2.5 years.

Dave

[PoloGTi]

I am back....... I too have the 1st gear prob and warrenty runs out in dec.
I will be trying to gain a new one very soon. Let me know how you get on if we have probs joint letters to vw Aus may be worth it Power in numbers.
Cheers Rob.

[GT3]

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