Okay, so now I have a problem with my gearbox.

I have a 2004 54 plate Octavia vRS which was a cat D write off when I bought it.

I repaired it and have done about 6k miles since (total mileage is now about 36k)

last week it wouldn't select 2nd gear properly - it seemed to go into gear but as soon as I took my foot off the clutch it popped out of gear. Only in second gear.

If I hold the gearstick it kind of "clunks" into gear after which it's ok...

But now there is a knocking noise underneath the car under load in 1st, 2nd (and sometimes 3rd) gear until the revs reach about 3k, or I ease off the accelerator.

Anyone have any ideas, or anything similar happen to them?

Sounds like you have a loose or worn engine mounting......

Edited 24 January, 200917 yr by Railroad

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Sounds like you have a loose, worn or broken engine mounting......

:iagree:

My guess it is the dogbone mount at the rear of the engine

well thanks guys - I'll have a look tomorrow morning and update. Is it called a dogbone mount because it's dogbone shaped?

I really hope that's what it is, because I would imagine a new gearbox won't be cheap...

Yes it is dogbone shaped.

and at the bottom of the engine? I must admit I thought the engine looked a bit "lopsided" when I opened the bonnet the other day...(dropped down on the gearbox side)

Would this cause the knocking/banging sound??

A broken engine mount can cause a knocking sound.

The dogbone mount is fitted between the main subframe and the bottom rear of the gearbox (at the point it meets the engine). This is often called torque link and prevents the gearbox moving relative to main subframe. If this is damaged, the gear lever can move relative to the box as the engine rotates due to change in torque.

This is the dogbone mount. Very easy to see once your under the car

Okay, an update. It would appear that the nearside top engine mount (the thingy under the airbox) has collapsed completely, giving my engine that "leaning towards the nearside" look.

It had actually dropped by a good INCH, and the nearside CV boot was about 2-3mm off the top of the lower wishbone!!

I replaced this engine mount when I rebuilt the car - but got the part from the local breakers - obviously wasn't up to the job.

I'm going to replace the dogbone mount while I'm at it, probably with uprated bushes.

Is there an uprated top mount as well, and if so, any ideas where I can get one from (at short notice)?

Also, do I need any special tools to remove the bushes??

I suggest NOT uprating the dogbone bushes, just get new OEM ones. The vibration into the cabin will be intolerable for most.

Dogbone is a 10 minute job. Engine mount a doddle too, just make sure you support the engine properly with a brace or a jack and a nice sturdy piece of timber to distribute the weight evenly and not damage the sump.

I agree about the poly dogbone/bushes, although most find the vibration is acceptable after 500-800 miles.

You MUST use new bolts when replacing the engine mounts.

I agree about the poly dogbone/bushes, although most find the vibration is acceptable after 500-800 miles.

You MUST use new bolts when replacing the engine mounts.

Didn't know that about new bolts...maybe that's why it's broken!