Hi

Has anyone had this problem? I have a 2002 Octavia 1.6 SR petrol manual 5 door with 60000 miles. As the engine and gearbox get hot the gearchange becomes harder to shift. The problem is nothing to do with the clutch operation as it's difficult to change when the engine is switched off, it effects all gears so it makes me think it's the change mechanism.

Any pointers would be appreciated

Thanks Bob

I would first try a gearbox oil change. If you're happy with the performance and operation of the clutch, I would make this my next course of action before getting the gearbox itself looked at.

Seconded. Start with the gear oil, then double check the gear linkage adjustment (cos it's cheaper than) check that the clutch engagement isn't changing as the engine gets hot (which points towards a leaky slave cylinder stopping the clutch clearing fully).

I would first try a gearbox oil change. If you're happy with the performance and operation of the clutch, I would make this my next course of action before getting the gearbox itself looked at.

Thanks Wardy

I've lubricated the gear linkage and it seems free to operate smoothly. So I thought also the obvious thing to do is check the gearbox oil level, but I'm ashamed to say I can't find the oil level plug. I can see a large hex plug to the front side of the box with the clutch pipe across the front of it, but surely this cannot be the level plug it's to high. Do you know if the level plug is situated on another part of the gearbox?

Thanks Bob

its on front of gearbox - there are a couple of hard metal lines running past it either for AC or PS (can't remember)

The level may well be fine, however that oil is now 9 years old and beyond its best. I'd vote for getting the oil changed as it will transform the box.

Pretty cheap to do as well. I picked the correct spec up on Halfords trade, then supplied it to my mechanic when I had the clutch changed and the quality of shift has increased dramatically as a result

Change oil makes a right difference, i did mine 10k ago, going to do it again shortly when i get chance to get some oil,

Gear linkage adjustment video is on youtube, its on a golf but same box and its easy to do, just need a couple of drill bits

both my 2000 and my parents 2001 (both 1.6s) do the same thing. when stuck in traffic the gear change becomes rubbish gets better when back on the move.

i've changed my gear oil twice in 5000 miles with the VW stuff and it doesn't do anything to help.

that said the oil that came out the first time was a bit like mud...

My garage grease the gear linkage to help sort this problem on mine. It seems to be a common problem on the 1.6! Nice to see some fellow 1.6 Octavia owners on here!

both my 2000 and my parents 2001 (both 1.6s) do the same thing. when stuck in traffic the gear change becomes rubbish gets better when back on the move.

i've changed my gear oil twice in 5000 miles with the VW stuff and it doesn't do anything to help.

that said the oil that came out the first time was a bit like mud...

Hi Toby

From what you written that's my problem exactly, it occurs when the heat soaks into either the change mechanism or the shift rails in the top of the gearbox whilt the car is stationary or in traffic. When the car is on the motorway the flow of air prevents the problem. I will endeaver to change the oil but won't hold out for a solution.

Thanks for your comments to everyone.

Hi it's Bob back again no nearer to solving the problem. I changed the oil which did give a sweeter change, but winter set in and the problem dissappeared. now we have had a few warm days and the problem is back. It only occurs when the heat sinks up into the gearchange mechanism which makes me think it's not the gearbox. I'm just wondering if anyone else found a fix

Tried changing brake fluid in clutch line or giving all the brakes a pressure bleed to give the system a good flush.

My old 2.0 turbo volvo used to suffer from heat soak in warm weather when sat in traffic, used to nearly loose the clutch pedal sometimes

do not change it with anything else that OEM gear oil. If your box is anything like the vrs boxs it will not like it. I used cheapy stuff for a day and then changed to OEM as the box was notchy. 1.9l is needed. 2l from TPS was £11 inc VAT.

Remember to make sure you can get your filling plug out before you empty all your oil.

Spray grease the gear lever.

I had exactly the same problem on my VRS some time back, thankfully it was still under warranty so took it back to my local dealer,

"common problem sir", they removed the gear lever gaiter to expose the ball and cup arrangement which sits directly above the exhaust, and sure enough the grease had melted and pooled in the bottom, after a liberal coating of silicon spray grease the problem was solved .

Still good to this day and only a 5 minute job.

Interesting idea, might do that on mine just as preventative maintenance if nothing else.

I need to pop to Halfords later to get them to exchange one of their Pro tools. Would this suffice do you reckon?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_219033_langId_-1_categoryId_165705

Cheers,

Steve

Copper grease is my best friend

Either that or just normal grease

I would use the Comma white spray grease, which funnily is the same stuff that Skoda used!

Yep will get some white spray grease and keep mine topped up. 90k's worth of gear shifting is likely to have reduced the greasing somewhat!

Wouldn't feel right using copper grease; I only use that on wheel bolts and hubs and I don't think it would stick and 'cling' to the mech properly.

its on front of gearbox - there are a couple of hard metal lines running past it either for AC or PS (can't remember)

Its on the side on the 1.6. You have to remove the wheel arch trim to access it. Both filler and drain are the same size.