Was scouting around for info on final drive codes for Elsawin (see other thread) and came across this http://www.btinternet.com/~a_hutton/VW_Gearbox_Failure.htm

Mentions gearbox codes DUU (which I have :() failing due to a rivet shearing on the final drive. Anyone know if this is a common problem in Octys? Mine was bought in May 2000, so would seem to be a target. Would it be worth doing a preventive on it or just let it fail if its going to fail?

Was scouting around for info on final drive codes for Elsawin (see other thread) and came across this http://www.btinternet.com/~a_hutton/VW_Gearbox_Failure.htm

Mentions gearbox codes DUU (which I have :() failing due to a rivet shearing on the final drive. Anyone know if this is a common problem in Octys? Mine was bought in May 2000, so would seem to be a target. Would it be worth doing a preventive on it or just let it fail if its going to fail?

If you have an 02J transmission, this is what you need to fix the problem.

APTuning - Peloquin's Differential Bolt Kit, 02A/02J Transmissions(Built before '3/04) | Audi & VW autoparts

This is only an issue if you regulary drive the car really hard and/or have a modified engine. The differential is the weakest part of the 02J transmission, more specifically those rivets.

For normal everyday driving, everything is ok.

Happens a fair bit on the 1.8T Ibiza Cupra (MK3)

Elsawin suggests my gearbox is 02KM - and, given that I have an unmodified 1.6 with 102bhp (of which I've probably liberated at most 80) which I drive in a manner which would make Captain Slow (Top Gear's James May) look like a hooligan, does that mean I'm probably safe?

If you have had no problem wait until you get a clutch change or something which required the gearbox to come off, then while the gearbox is off get them to convert it from rivets to bolts.

Worth doing, but I would wait until you are already paying most the labour to get the box off.

No major problems as such - slight judder in 1st and a bit sticky sometimes but its long overdue a box oil change and prob hydraulic oil change too (if its hydraulic clutch I'm guessing it might help slightly). Will leave it so. Thanks for all your advice.