gearshift play

[cesiumfrog]

hi fellas.
can anyone help with what to look for to find the source of the play in the gearshift mechanism of a 1999 mk 4 golf.
it is a really sloppy shift that has been worse since having new clutch at a dealer.
the shifter itself doesn't seem to have too much play/wear so i'm guessing it is to do with the gearbox end of the two cables where they attach to the linkages? any one have any experience with the earlier cable shift mechanism?
phil.

[JustCruisn]

Check the linkage
Here is a vid on adjusting it
YouTube - Volkswagen Group Shift Linkage Adjustment for year models 2000-2010

Could also be worn linkage bushings, 42 draft designs make some nice replacements.
VW Shifter Bushing Set - Mk4 5/6S MY02-05

Eginne and gearbox mounts can make it hard to select gears - not sure about sloppiness though

[dubbed]

Be careful doing this, you might go without 5th. It took me ages and heaps of fiddling around to get it done correctly.

[cesiumfrog]

thanks jc
yep...seen the vid and the bushes..don't seem to be applicable to this car....the cables don't have that three jaw,spring,knurl end....been doing lots of googl'n but can't find anything that is relevant to this style of linkage.
yeah dubbed...i'm resisting temptation just to pull it to bits and look for something worn too much...but is starting to look like i might have to.

[cesiumfrog]

actually, its this one, just found parts diagram.

1998 Golf/Variant/4Motion VW Replacement Parts

so now i know the correct name for the parts.