The gear change on my 2007 Octavia (117k) appears to be rather clunky and not smooth at all. 

 

Around 10-12 months ago I changed the gearbox oil thinking this may help the problem but to no avail (Doubt it had ever been done before my ownership (from 102k). I replaced the clutch around this time too. My mechanic doesn’t seem overly concerned about it. But I was wondering if there is anything I can do to improve it or is it just an age related problem.

 

Hoping it’s not a sign of a coming gearbox issue...

Mine has been clunky for about 100k, no issues here! Might be worth putting some kind of lubricant on the selector cables? (think youll see them near the airbox/MAF area on top of the gearbox)

I've had the same issue for the last year or so. My car has done 102,000. A bit notchy. Original clutch. I changed the gearbox oil at the last service but it hasn't improved it. I have also tried aligning the cable ends. I've resigned myself to accepting it now. Maybe the clutch/slave cylinder is going but it's not slipping. And it isn't getting replaced until it does!!

Edited 5 November, 20196 yr by meaty101

Did you use genuine oil? I know the vag stuff is very thin and helps with clunky changes, I know Fuschs Titan gets used without issue too, but I also know vag boxes can be funny with oils, I put Ester based racing fluid in my s4 gearbox and it was terrible, kept missing changes and was set in stone when cold, changed to some febi fluid and it’s loads better, still a bit clunky but 1st and 2nd gear synchros are known for wear anyway.

Have you tried realigning the selector cables?

 

 

Gear selection failed without warning on my 2011 Scout. Came to a standstill (on a dangerous corner on a single track country lane on a rainy night), turned the engine off, still wouldn’t engage in any gear. Feared the worst and rolled it back down the hill to safety. Left the engine off a few seconds and tried again. Went into gear and I got home, but parking up it wouldn’t go into reverse. Turned off the engine, left it a few seconds, tried again and it went in. Took it for a 15 minute test drive without further problems.

 

I appreciate that there are a number of possible causes. Before I book it into the garage, any suggestions for how I might try to eliminate possibilities would be appreciated.

As mentioned above the cable adjustment can help, also it’s worth bleeding the clutch. Made a big difference for my Scout.

 

Mark

Thanks Mark, good to know. 'Notchy' is a good description of how the clutch feels, although happily there's been no repetition of the incident I mentioned. Bleeding and adjustment has got to be worth a try.

Paul