Hi guys,

First post here, hello!

I've just picked up a 2001 Octavia MK1 Vrs.

Love it so far. However there is one aspect dragging down the enjoyment - the gear change, its poor.

1st, 3rd and 5th can be tricky to get into and I often have to hold off for a second before pushing the gear lever up and "find" the gear.

I pulled up the leather around the gear stick to get a look at the visible linkage and while it looks a bit dirty and tired I think there's more at play.

Linkage issues elsewhere?

Gearbox oil change required?

Clutch issue?

Gearbox issue?

Dropping it into mechanic next week but just thought I'd check here first.

Edited 29 October, 201114 yr by quarrymanpaul

Could just be work bushes.I found that changing the lower engine mount - the dogbone mount - made it much easier to get into gear.

Though there might be more to it in your case.

drop gearoil too - oil is about £6 a litre and you need 2l - part no is G060726A2

Thanks guys.

Are the gearboxes in these reasonably tough? I've no reason to believe this one has been thrashed.

I take it they're the same boxes as everything else with the 1.8t engine, A3, Golf Gti, Seat Leon etc?

I have the same problem for about a month now. Also a 2001 vRS, only 75k miles. 3rd gear is the worst, 5th also has a problem but 1st is ok. Very curious what the issue is.

gear oil change made a big difference on mine - you might be happy with it once changed

will change it asap and let you know. I already have a powerflex dogbone.

my 2004 tdi was very notchy when I first got it getting into 3rd. I found the oil was nearly 3/4 of a litre low. Dropped the oil and mearsured it then topped her right up and shes is 90% better. Just doesnt like quick gear changes into 3rd but its smooth otherwise.

Edited 31 October, 201114 yr by joeboy

Could just be work bushes.I found that changing the lower engine mount - the dogbone mount - made it much easier to get into gear.

Though there might be more to it in your case.

Update:

Mechanic took a look and reckon it just needs a bushing replaced!

Gearbox linkage adjustment

I used the drillbit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9ggefOjAE

Edited 10 December, 201114 yr by vRStroy