Recently getting in to first has been getting increasingly harder and last night when I stopped at a roundabout it took three attempts to get it in 1st.

 

I have noticed the change has gone a bit notchy too, it had new gearbox oil about 20k miles ago and a new dmf and clutch about 55k miles ago but it is remapped to 170hp and 392nm. 

 

I would say the clutch is on its way out but as you lot will know more about these cars than me is there anything else to look out for?

Edited 22 September, 20178 yr by retro

Is reverse awkward or notchy too? Do you ever get revs rising faster than road speed (based on experience and throttle setting)? If so I'd agree it's probably the clutch.

 

Otherwise I'd check the console bushes and dogbone for wear, and the shift mechanism alignment before going to the most expensive option.

What oil did you use? Some oils can actually make your gearchanges harder. Also silly question but is your plugs tight on the gearbox. Might be worth giving it the old finger test to make sure oil is still ok as some cheap oils wont last especially if driven hard.

 

Also how does your clutch pedal feel, where does it bite? Whats your fluid level like? 

@retro - Actually, @Fletcher101101 has made a good point: Sylkoline gear oils in particular are notorious for destroying VAG gearbox shift quality (but not damaging the 'box), although they're fine oils in other maker's gearboxes.

The oil was changed before I bought it but I can look through the history and find out.

 

Reverse has been a bit awkward a couple times but overall no.

 

I will get it up on the ramp next week or on axle stands this weekend and check the console bushes over. Visually they appear to be okay.

 

How do you check the gear linkages alignment?

 

Clutch pedal bites almost instantly and feels fine when engaging and disengaging.

 

Starting to think it isn't the clutch at all. I drive it sensibly most of the time and when I do thrash it I always make sure the revs are close to 2k before booting it.

2 hours ago, retro said:

How do you check the gear linkages alignment?

 

 

 

Here you go...