Hey guys

I just noticed my cars struggling a bit to get into first and reverse... when driving around its always been a little notchy on changes (thought that may be normal), but when i was turning around to park up when I got home after a 30 min drive just, the more I changed gear the harder it got. higher gears seemed ok.

I took it out for another spin, same thing... after parking and changing gear 2-3 times with the engine running it was becoming increasingly hard.

Cars standard (Staying that way) with just gone 80k. I've got no clutch slip at all atm but could this be it for my clutch or dmf? I was told by a stealer I had flywheel noise but 2 independants couldn't find anything wrong.

Any ideas on cost of fitting a new standard clutch and dmf? :(

Have you checked the gearbox oil level? 80K for a clutch is about right for mixed driving (Town and Motorway). Doubt the DMF is the cause, sounds like the engine is trying to escape when they go. No idea of the cost, but it won't be cheap that's for sure.

Have you checked the gearbox oil level? 80K for a clutch is about right for mixed driving (Town and Motorway). Doubt the DMF is the cause, sounds like the engine is trying to escape when they go. No idea of the cost, but it won't be cheap that's for sure.

Yeah i know :( right by christmas too

Call me dumb mate, but how do i check the gearbox oil level?

Just been out for another 30 min spin... couldn't make it do it at all. was a little bit notchy occasionally but still went in nice and easy

I know its probably a sign that something is buggered, but is there any chance it could of just been a one off lol going to keep a very close eye on it

Mines been like this for 30k ... rock on lol

probably due to the fact in using an uprated clutch and fly

Yeah i know :( right by christmas too

Call me dumb mate, but how do i check the gearbox oil level?

There's an oil filler/level plug on the gearbox. You remove this with car on level surface, and see if any oil trickles out. If not top up with the correct gearbox oil.

The gear change is cable operated, so a check of the cables would be an idea. Difficulty in getting 1st and reverse, is usually a sign that the clutch is dragging. If it's minimal oil contamination of the clutch plate, a decent fast pull away will usually burn off the contamination.

Another possibility are soggy engine/gearbox mountings. Your local friendly dealer, should be able to diagnose the problem, as well as relieving you of some readies.

There's an oil filler/level plug on the gearbox. You remove this with car on level surface, and see if any oil trickles out. If not top up with the correct gearbox oil.

The gear change is cable operated, so a check of the cables would be an idea. Difficulty in getting 1st and reverse, is usually a sign that the clutch is dragging. If it's minimal oil contamination of the clutch plate, a decent fast pull away will usually burn off the contamination.

Another possibility are soggy engine/gearbox mountings. Your local friendly dealer, should be able to diagnose the problem, as well as relieving you of some readies.

Thanks for the info... had the gearbox and dogbone mount replaced 2 months ago so if its that I may cry lol

actually, is it normal to check gearbox oil level at a service?

actually, is it normal to check gearbox oil level at a service?

Well it varies from dealer to dealer, but as an ardent DIY tech I would say it's a must. If the oil level is dropping and not coming from driveshaft seals or a case gasket, it will be going into the clutch.

Never thought I'd say this, but the Haynes Manual for the Fabia is very good for service schedule stuff. Distinct lack of exploded views for the more complex stuff though.

I'd change the gearbox oil myself and see how it goes.

Well it varies from dealer to dealer, but as an ardent DIY tech I would say it's a must. If the oil level is dropping and not coming from driveshaft seals or a case gasket, it will be going into the clutch.

Never thought I'd say this, but the Haynes Manual for the Fabia is very good for service schedule stuff. Distinct lack of exploded views for the more complex stuff though.

I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to mechanical things like this :( If it does it again i'll probably just take it to the vag specialist around the corner. Just strikes me that if it doesn't do it then, they'll say its fine :p

I'd change the gearbox oil myself and see how it goes.

Fancy relocating to the west midlands

Well it varies from dealer to dealer, but as an ardent DIY tech I would say it's a must. If the oil level is dropping and not coming from driveshaft seals or a case gasket, it will be going into the clutch.

Never thought I'd say this, but the Haynes Manual for the Fabia is very good for service schedule stuff. Distinct lack of exploded views for the more complex stuff though.

Hello,

I've a Haynes manual, it is just unfortunate that I have a Fabia VRS 6 speed gearbox, which has no entries for this type of gearbox, in the book.

Hello,

I've a Haynes manual, it is just unfortunate that I have a Fabia VRS 6 speed gearbox, which has no entries for this type of gearbox, in the book.

it is a bit pants, but i'm sure one of the 2 ones it does mention will have the same proceedure

Just to add a bit more to this thread as its been dragged up again... had a new clutch and its much better, but still a little stiffer than i remember. Having a new arb fitted on monday along with a gearbox oil change so will try and remember to post back

My gearbox went a little bit notchy after having had console bushes fitted and the cam belt done. I put it down to perhaps one of the gear selectors had been touched or something. It's sorted itself out now

My gearbox went a little bit notchy after having had console bushes fitted and the cam belt done. I put it down to perhaps one of the gear selectors had been touched or something. It's sorted itself out now

Mine seemed to get progressivly worse. reverse was a bit hit and miss as to whether it would go in... felt like the clutch wasn't down at all even though i was ramming it through the floor lol as I say no slipping or anything either and 9 times out of 10 it was fine.

mine was like this and it turned out to be the dogbone mount.

mine was like this and it turned out to be the dogbone mount.

You know, you could be on to something there. I used to get a knocking/rocking noise when changing gear. I had the dogbone mount and the gearbox mount replaced (at great expense) that fixed it... but which is when the gearbox started to get a bit notchy?

maybe i should damage the mounts up a bit again lol

Hey guys, just been reading your posts on this thread. Sounds very similar to what mine's just been doing - started towards the end of last week and today the gears have seized altogether, at least I can't get in to any gear other than reverse and it's all at a struggle. It started off being really 'notchy' going through the gears but seemed to be better after I'd been driving for about 40 minutes, but like I said, went to get in it today, struggled to get it in to reverse to get out of my parking bay but then once I had I couldn't get it in to 1st to pull away. God knows how I'm going to get it to the garage, could do without the expense before Chrimbo really. One thing one of you mentioned though, I had my cam belt done about a month ago when it had a full service, would that affect things then?

My vRS has always had little episodes of problems when selecting 1st or Reverse when my pupils are carrying out the reverse exercises.

I tell them to take the car out of gear, bring the clutch up for a few seconds press the clutch and the car slips into gear easily.

I noticed the other day it says in the manual to always give it a moment before putting it in reverse when you drop the clutch. Does help a little but then i always do it as the astra i had before this used to crutch something chronic if you didn't give it 1-2 seconds between clutch down and moving into reverse... something to do with the synchros?

I noticed the other day it says in the manual to always give it a moment before putting it in reverse when you drop the clutch. Does help a little but then i always do it as the astra i had before this used to crutch something chronic if you didn't give it 1-2 seconds between clutch down and moving into reverse... something to do with the synchros?

The delay is needed to allow the gearbox shafts to stop rotating. Reverse introduces an idler gear IIRC.