I was looking at readjusting / Checking the gear linkage cables but looking under the bonnet there are a few things in the way of access. As i was only doing it as a check are these cables known to wear over time ?

They will stretch slightly over time but on my Octavia it was the end connectors that fit on the selector lever on top of Gbox that were slipping. The ends are replaceable and easy to do. Theres a process of locking gearbox with a small lever on mine and then locking gearstick with a 6mm drill bit. You then release cables and reattach to make sure they are in the correct position/length. The selector on Gbox can seize as well nd has plastic bushes that can wear out.

Alasdair

What is the best method of access what components do u have to remove ?

If I remember correctly I removed air filter plus housing and disconnected pipes. I thinkyou should be able to get to the selector/cables once removed although I was changing clutch so battery and housing was removed anyway. You may have to remove them as well to get access. The gear stick gator unclips and you pull it up to gain access to lock the gearstick. Mine was a 1.9tdi BXE 08 plate.

Alasdair

@wd20 it appears you are chasing a problem. Can you confirm if your gear stick centres when moved left or right like about to select gear 1/2 or 5/6. It should return very quickly without any lag. I have experienced slow return to centre and had to remove and clean the selector lever where the cables connect to. Scrub the shaft clean of dried up grease and apply grease and reinstall. Made a significant change to my 5th selection issue