Hey all

So I have had my new (to me) 12plate 140cr Elegance Estate for just over a week. It's had a lot of driving time since and both me and my partner have come to the same conclusion.

We are both finding it rather hard to slot into gear. Compared to her Fors Focus which flows beautifully between gears

In the Superb When depressing the clutch and engaged say 1st the gear stick moves into the 'gate..??' and then faces some firm resistance before eventually slotting in..back to 2nd and then to 3rd are the same.

We've played around with seat settings thinking maybe it's the way we are positioned. Still does not solve it.

We don't know if we just used to the Fords finger tip lightness and its just normal to give the Superb a firm push or is something else going on.

If it is a characteristic of the gearbox I guess we will just have to get used to it but thought I'd ask the question.

Just for ref its got just under 32k on the clock ...

Sorry if this seems like a odd question..we are just conscious on the 30day return to base warranty before the 3rd party warranty starts.

Many thanks

Edited 5 June, 201610 yr by Zenbasses

I've had my Superb since Nov '14 and I find getting back into 1st produces a similar results at anything but almost a crawl speed wise

 

Sometimes when the car hasn't fully warmed up I find the gear changes to be stiffer at the lower end, but not like the 1st behaviour described above

 

Not sure if that helps much...

clutch on the way out

Would it be possible for you to drive a different Superb - just for comparison purposes? Test drive at Skoda dealership?

 

Dave

Could need some adjustment to the linkages. If it's out slightly it'll be a pain to get in.

Just for a comparison my superb gearbox isn't brilliant. It has covered 12,000 miles and third is the most 'notchy' gear but it does seem to improve when the gearbox is warm and you change at a slightly higher RPM. The other gears arn't bad but on the whole its not the best gearbox I've had.

 

I wouldn't say its causing any issues or taking pleasure away from the driving experience though.

 

I suppose you could change the gearbox oil to see if that makes any difference although at only 30K miles you would hope there is plenty of life left in the oil.

Something is wrong there - get it checked. I have the 6 speed and with your miles it should be an easy, no fuss gearchange. I get little resistance on any gear. At most, I might say "not quite as smooth" as the very best one i have driven but certainly amongst the better of them.

My 6 speed gearbox is not at all stiff and notchy - I think my petrol has a very different gearbox/clutch

 

Is there any evidence of brake/clutch fluid leak below the gearbox. The concentric clutch slave cylinder (fitted to diesel 6 speed box ) has been known to have problems

Take it back before your 30 days run out.

Thanks for all the replies....it would be useful to compare them..probably my fault for not test driving more. Was originally looking at Octavia estates and test drove a few of thhem and the gearbox was fine. I assumed the gearbox's would be the same...

I think I'll either get my mechanic friend to have a look or take it to the garage we've been to for years to have a look. Maybe £30 well spent to have it evaluated..

That might invalidate your warranty

That might invalidate your warranty

Agreed. Might be worth asking them to advise but not touch anything.

Point taken ..... I think I'll get my mechanic friend to have a look first so at least I am armed with at least some knowledge..Spoke to him yesterday and his reckoning is linkage alignment as previously mentioned here..... but we shall see...

This could also be me looking for something that's not there...

Mine is the same notchy going from 1st to second and 3rd , once warmed up hardley notice it, 16,000 miles

I've got 2 and neither are notchy

I am on my second 4x4 with a six speed. Both were a fraction notchy when brand new but not so bad I'd complain. The one I have now is coming up to its 4th year and just over 40k and certainly fine now. Only issue I have is its too easy to go back into  reverse when shifting from reverse to first. Wouldn't say the shift is perfection, but certainly no problem.

Edited 11 June, 201610 yr by lowedb

I think it could be a 4x4 & Manual combo issue - Sometines I get a 'chunk' going down into 1st at anything above a crawl - rest of gears fine.

 

I put it down to shunt from the 4x4 system - I only have 19500 miles on my 13 plate estate and it is getting better

 

 

 

Chris

I've put mine back in reverse a few times whilst trying to get 1st in a three point turn, I thought it was just me. My 4x4 is slightly clunky , you have to change gear slightly slower I find then you don't get the clunk. My awd mondeo doesn't have any clunk at all so there must be some design problem/difference

Edited 12 June, 201610 yr by terrytowelling

So just for an update I have had it checked out and its fine .

I think I am just used to really light actioned gear boxes..

I've not been driving that long so don't have the experience if many different cars.

I have found that stopping at traffic lights in 2nd and the moving to firsts once stationary is considerably easier....also 5th to 3rd when braking at higher speeds is easier than gearing down to slow the speed. 5 4 3 etc etc

I have also changed my seating position again as I am quite short 5ft 10 with short legs and I find it easier now.

Cars going back in to the place I bought it from after a chat. They will give everything the once over again and re-run the diagnostics again...

So cross fingers its my paranoia...

Edited 14 June, 201610 yr by Zenbasses

5.10 short ? - I must be a midget then at 5.6

 

Getting the seat right is a biggie !

 

 

 

Chris

Just seen this thread. Our 2011 6 speed CR170 does have a notchy or, as I prefer, positive gear change. My mates 2011 VW Passat 6 speed Bluemotion is identical. Compared to the six speed on the MKI, it's tighter, lighter and a shorter throw. Personally, I love it. I do sometimes booger-up changing-down from sixth to fifth, but that's it.

5.10 short ? - I must be a midget then at 5.6

Getting the seat right is a biggie !

Chris

Made chuckle..just for comparison I always have to buy short legged trousers as regular cover my feet. Disproportionate ...