Hi folks, some advise from an expert would be extremely appreciated if possible...

 

Occasionally I have a problem shifting up (or down) into third gear (ONLY), there is no crunching but it's difficult to go in sometimes. I had the gearbox oil changed about a month ago by a guy, I don't what he put in, whether it was high quality oil or not, but it's made no difference. I'm wondering if putting better quality oil in there may help ?

I really need to know what the problem could be. I think if it was clutch related or the gearbox was failing there would be some crunching surely? And would affect more gears too?

It only happens sometimes and the gear lever only goes halfway and feels like something is stopping it from going all the way, I have to pull it back and gently try again, but can feel something trying to stop it going fully into third. It doesn't kick, scrape or crunch. Most of the time it is fine but sometimes this happens. All the other gears are smooth as silk.

Anyone with experience of this who could shed some light would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks on advance.

When a syncromesh ring becomes worn the first thing that happens is the gear is difficult to engage, the mechanism baulks hence the name baulk ring, if the gearchange is forced enough times the baulk ring wears enough that it no longer baulks but crunches the gear engagement damaging the syncro hub splines and the teeth on the driven gear.

 

The 6 speed gearboxes have twin syncro rings for each gear and are pretty bulletproof, maybe even some of the 5 speed boxes.

 

I would reset the gear linkage cables, easy to do and costs nothing but a little time.

17 hours ago, J.R. said:

When a syncromesh ring becomes worn the first thing that happens is the gear is difficult to engage, the mechanism baulks hence the name baulk ring, if the gearchange is forced enough times the baulk ring wears enough that it no longer baulks but crunches the gear engagement damaging the syncro hub splines and the teeth on the driven gear.

 

The 6 speed gearboxes have twin syncro rings for each gear and are pretty bulletproof, maybe even some of the 5 speed boxes.

 

I would reset the gear linkage cables, easy to do and costs nothing but a little time.

Thank you so much J.R for your input and advise, unfortunately I am useless at this stuff so I need someone to do that for me. I will see if any mechanic can do it near me.

Thanks again.

Edited 13 December, 20241 yr by ha33y

On 13/12/2024 at 14:50, ha33y said:

Thank you so much J.R for your input and advise, unfortunately I am useless at this stuff so I need someone to do that for me. I will see if any mechanic can do it near me.

Thanks again.

reseting cables only takes about 10mins. Worth a try. Also Not sure what linkage you have on top of gearbox but I had a SEAT 1.9tdi bxe with a plastic selector that I didn't realize was seizing and very stiff to get 3rd and 4th gears. It eventually snapped I should have lubricated it. Might be worth a look. The one on my sons fabia is alloy/steel. 

Alasdair