Hi I have a 14 plate 1 6 TDI that's done a 190k and I acquired the car 18 months ago. 

 

When I purchased the car the seller made me aware of a small noise that came from the gearbox. And the car was priced accordingly knowing there was a slight issue with the manual trans. 

 

It really didn't concern me as the car drove great thru all gears but occasionally on L hand turn. If sharp there would be a slight noise. I knew at some point it would need dealing which I was totally fine with. 

 

I managed to make the box and existing box/clutch last a further 18 months (clutch had been about 1 year before me). 

Until the noise got to much for me to tolerate and it was time to replace box/clutch. 

 

I got a 2nd hand box and Sach clutch and got a professional to fit it. 

 

When I picked the car up from the work it drove brilliantly apart from reverse gear which was stiff and crunchy/snatchy at times. If used very slowly and softly it was a smooth transition to rev gear. But thats nit always possible when in car parks and in a hurry etc etc. 

 

The previous box had no issues at all when it came to rev gear it was always smooth as it needed to be. 

 

So I thought it was an issue with the 2nd hand box I'd acquired and the supplier agreed to exchange it.

 

So replacement box put on with Sach clutch and the car still has the same issue. You have to be really slow and soft with reverse otherwise it's very stiff/notchy. 

 

Mechanic is abit miffed like myself as to why the rev gear is different to what it used to be. 

 

I know it's not the box and the clutch is new so what else could it be ?? 

 

Slave and master seem ok a new master was put in around 12 months ago.  

 

Do these cars suffer with any linkage issues at all ?? 

 

Thanks for reading my bit of if a long story and any help or advice is greatly appreciated. 

 

Thank you 🙏 

 

 

You should shift to neutral and wait 2-3 seconds before engaging reverse, technical note from Skoda, the shaft takes time to slow down. Always worth adjusting the gear cables too since you had a new box, easy enough to do.

Edited 20 July, 20241 yr by Blue8793841

Yeah I've noticed the slower and gentler you are with the reverse gear there is alot less stiffness. 

 

Before the job was done tho there was no need to pause it just slid in and out very easily. 

 

Think I will get it re calibrated to make sure there is no cable/linkage issues. 

 

Thanks for reply 👍

12 hours ago, Blue8793841 said:

You should shift to neutral and wait 2-3 seconds before engaging reverse, technical note from Skoda, the shaft takes time to slow down. Always worth adjusting the gear cables too since you had a new box, easy enough to do.

 

👍

Yes, linkages on non-FL cars can be a problem.  I am surprise that you didn't get the linkage sorted out before migrating to a new gearbox.  Second gear and Reverse are always a bit harsh.  I got my manual cars of that era - tweaked at 30000 miles and gearbox oil changed out at 35000 miles.  This did improve responsiveness, but I agree with Blue - that you cannot rush the gearboxes.

It's annoying though as some cars don't do it, so there is a problem but not bad enough for them to warrant any repairs.