I'm thinking of installing a newer (less mileage gearbox) seeing as the box is out atm. Just a thought.....is there such thing as a stronger one?

Just ones with less mileage as the tolerances will be closer to manufacturers and les wear on teeth

Dont bother!

Put the money towards a limited slip diff as that is the weak part of the box!

http://www.jabbasport.com/store/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=prodshow&ref=02M498005A

Thanks Jase, I'd love a LSD but just having a Helix clutch and SMF fitted, therefore low on the monies : (

My box is on 150k and basically I'm trying to implement a preventative measure if poss

Thanks Jase, I'd love a LSD but just having a Helix clutch and SMF fitted, therefore low on the monies : (

My box is on 150k and basically I'm trying to implement a preventative measure if poss

Fitting a new box wont solve the ultimate issue the stock diff has a weak design. Something to do with the rivits failing!

I popped a box at 70k so can go on a younger box!

isnt the ibiza cupra box abit better and diff slightly stronger ?

Hmmm I see what you mean.......if the box goes, will it take the clutch and flywheel along with it?

Hmmm I see what you mean.......if the box goes, will it take the clutch and flywheel along with it?

No

I popped the main shaft out of the gearbox. Clutch and flywheel were fine

If you're that worries, send your box in for recon mate!

Ok thanks for clearing that up Jase

Never thought of that tbh Josh, any ideas of how much it would cost and what a recon actually entails?

Not too sure on costs mate but that would all depend on how worn if at all the internals are, it's quite an extreme preventative measure though. I'd be tempted to stick with it how it is especially if you've no signs of gearbox issues.

Try resetting the gear linkage to improve some feel, also a new doggone mount bush

Change oil while its off too for genuine stuff as after 150k it will be rotten

id recommend a recon. The place I use at work charged £270 to recon a 6 speed audi A3 gearbox.... So anything around £400 price wise.

Tbh I wouldn't bother until it fails, could be a total waste of money really.

The boxes are built REALLY well inside. I have now seen two split apart and my mate who is big on gearboxes always said it looks more like a truck gearbox inside an 02M diesel box than a car gearbox. The weak link historically are the shifter arms as rivets break sending bits everywhere killing the box. When I had the box apart last I got the aforementioned mechanic to do the shifter arm strengthening mod which is a well document process on TDIclub, basically involves welding up the areas the rivets are in and grinding smooth. Now I have that done, the LSD fitted, the only thing which in theory can go wrong are the inner workings of the gearbox itself. This happens rarely (but does happen) so I am happy going forward.

Thanks for all the input guys! Really appreciate it. Think ill keep it in for now until it fails, ill have the gearbox reset/calibrated and have some fresh oil put in. Many thanks : )

I lost 1st and 2nd at 135,000 miles. Went with a rebuild, buying a used one is no guarantee that that one wont be just as bad. That said, I'd wait for it to give up first.

So what happened to mine? The main shaft popped clean out the end of the box?

To many drag strip starts? Haha

I think its when i went for the overtake on the r32! 3rd to 4th at full chat and then bang! Shrapnel everywhere!

That might explain it hah. Not having ago or anything, I'm guilty of abusing my car time to time, I'm just not gonna be surprised when somthing fails! I just hope the gearbox, turbo, dmf/clutch, powerd steering pump don't all fail at the same time...