I've been having trouble with my box (2003 Octavia SDi) 

 

The outside plate (behind the wheel arch) is the problem - the thrust bearing is on the outside of the box, housed inside this plate, and it keeps seizing. The problem is that it has siezed so many times that it's dug into the housing and now I need a new housing. The problem is compounded by the fact that I can't make out the code on the box to even find that housing...

 

As silly as this sounds, I need help finding my gearbox code...

I think it's stamped on the bell housing, but it's all corroded and indecipherable. The sticker in the boot is also indecipherable because of wetsuits and wet dogs over the years...

 

What's the easiest way to find out what my code is? I have pictures of the back of the box (where it faces the wheel) if that helps. There are some codes there, but I think they relate to that plate as opposed to the box itself.

 

Thanks,

 

D

I think the box code is in the Haynes, but my Haynes is 12 miles away!

Apparently there's at least 5 different boxes twinned with the SDis... Though the Haynes would probably show a picture of each box and code, which might help so long as there isn't another one that looks exactly like mine...

I've bought a 2003 Octavia SDi with 116,000 miles on the clock. Pleased with it as I've had the front wheels tracked today and had a good look underneath while the mechanic did his laser-ing and zero rust, nil, nada so my gamble purchase to replace the 2000 Citroen Xsara 1.9D seems to have paid off. I an happy enough with a straight diesel as you can do the motorways at 80-90mph without a turbo blowing the fuel through the engine. I've also been to a friends place where I took an engine out of a Hillman Avenger (hence my account name folks) and the Octavia hill started very well with an engine in the boot so I reckon the donkey is fine.

 

The engine is very sharp, absolutely on the button hot or cold so I'll Slick50 it after the next oil change to keep the wear off it. I've heard of gearbag bother in VAG cars so while the gears are not whining, fizzing or barking I cannot select 1st while the Octavia is moving. Is this a sign of trouble ahead? Seems to be a slight judder out of the clutch sometimes too.

I think there was a change made around 2002 to VAG gearboxes although this may have been only to the 'boxes fitted to TDi's and the like.

 

I will change the gear oil soon with a timing belt change and a set of rear shoes.

 

So far I'm happy with the Octavia, hopefully she will work out as my workhorse for the next 5 years! The boot in them is massive, could get three engines in the boot!

 

Anyhow is the inability to select 1st when moving a problem or just the way they are?

 

Thanks, Paddy B.

Id need to go for a spin, but im pretty sure my tdi wont allow first while moving.. its a characteristic methinks..

Mine will, and it's still on the original clutch at 120_000 miles!

 

Also Paddy, if you're changing the timing belt it's worth changing the water pump too because they usually last about 1.5 times a belt change, and it's the same work give or take 15 minutes to change them together as not.

The gearbox code will be on the data sticker on the inside of the service book or on the boot floor.

The 02K gearbox is quite fragile. Might be work taking it out for a rebuild. Usually the pawl on the release bearing gives issue when the pushrod is worn or the clutch is on its last legs.

TDi and SDi have different gearboxes.