Classic VW BuGs How to Fix Adjust Gear Shifter Housing Grinding Beetle Issues

www.ClassicVWbugs.com
In this short video I discuss how to adjust your shifter to clear any grinding of gears or sloppiness shifting.

[@johncollins5552]

I gotta tip, when the gearshift is in the correct position where everything works in gear as it should, I give a little blast of a spray can paint of a contrasting colour to the base of the shifter. Then anytime I need to replace any component I have a clear visible guideline to make everything lineup real easy in future.

[@donalddurham5530]

Thanks Chris. I had my plate upside down for years. It shifted great, but reverse was up and to the left. Nobody that knows VW could get it in reverse without me instructing them. I watched the video and wahla, it's like a new car. Thanks again ...1963

[@timjennings4270]

Hey man thanks for the input and for explaining things in a way that the average person or beginner can understand the way you described what you are doing and you do a slow visual step by step that anyone can understand what you are describing just wanted to say thank you been wrenching 58 years and you are plan and simple and straight to the point thanks

[@classicvwbugs]

u bet!

[@superameric8]

Still helping us to this day....😊 You da man

[@alanpadgett5868]

I have a 73 vw beetle. Your vids are very helpful for us "do it your selfers". Keep up the good work.

[@mranimal2543]

Thank you! I have just acquired a 62 Beatle that would not go into reverse, and with your help a little adjustment and it's fixed!

[@johnanderson690]

I’m amazed that the two very good manuals I have, neither over this VERY important procedure? You’re a great source of info.

[@michaelo1492]

Thanks for sharing this quick tip, its always interesting to watch your videos...

[@ImTHATguy...]

Thank you! My '68 dune buggy's shifter was all hoakie and messed up. This video made my 3rd to 2nd shifts better than they were, and my shifting all together is smoother now.

[@redheadsoup]

Wow a simple solution to a problem I have lived with for years Thanks

[@jishmerlader]

Absolutely perfect thanks for the info & video. I was a bit sceptical but it worked for me. No more crunching from 3rd to second. Thanks

[@christhompson200]

My 74 kept skipping from 1st to 2nd gear...grabbing 4th gear instead. Followed your video reset the sonogun...and now works great!! THANKS!!

[@greatdaneacdc]

I know it’s awhile ago you wrote this however between your video and the some of the comments ….. you both explain a lot . My 66 buggy’s shift is a real mess from years of service So now I can see it worth get new plate and shifter assembly and bushings ! Thanks!

[@caigarage]

thank so much man, I run muscle car resto shop and bugs are alien to me. I got my first beetle withnan empi shifter knob. Reverse lockout wasnt doing its thing. If I didnt see your video, I would never have known that the plate was on backwards. Perfect now.

[@gutshotgriz3936]

I learned how to adjust the shifter the hard way back in 1975. Never heard the process to remedy the problems explained better. I did experience it poping out of 2nd when I would let off the gas, so would add the following test to verify all is well: Put it in 1st...accelerate then quickly let off the gas, then repeat for each of the other gears. My tranny was fine...the popping out of a gear was entirely due to being misadjisted (the car...not me.....well, maybe me a little...😏 it was the seventies)

[@charlesmartin3265]

Thank you for your videos and help. I couldn't begin to express how helpful it truly is except telling the truth. Over the years I have paid for those similar things to be fixed. Because I was to busy working. I never learned until now . God bless you

[@477racing]

Just fixed my 3 -> 2 grind thanks to you. Thanks!

[@johnmartin5153]

great video Chris, I have grinding going from 2nd to 3rd gear. Im excited to try this solution

[@mikecrawford5331]

Your VW videos are very helpful most appreciated

[@frankperri626]

Yes this was just the help i needed to smooth my dac dacs first gear selection. Thank you

[@steve1998]

Another great video, thanks! I am glad you are busy - means history is being saved!

[@classicvwbugs]

ah thanks so much, I appreciate that.

[@rey0176]

thanks soo much.i fixed my autostick with this video.btw ive been watching most your videos.learned alot.my shifter would stay in 2nd hi

[@southyoz]

Thanks Mr Vallone, your help was invaluable I inherited a grind and very "sloppy" shifter when I acquired my 68T1 was told by an "expert" it would probably be a gearbox issue...mmm five dollars for a bushing, an afternoon of fun replacing the bushing and adjusting my shifter plate {after watching your video}....the result after the re-install was sweet as, no grind, no sloppiness "Neil" back to his shifting best. Thanks mate from this very grateful Aussie viewer.

[@1uptospeed]

great tip their chris thanks for passing it on,

[@andresquezada8329]

gracias Chris por todo lo que haces por los amantes a los vochos un saludo desdes ECUADOR

[@Scantron1978]

Awesome vid… totally helped me fix my shifting issue.. thank you so very much..

[@nancyquijas2832]

THANK FROM MEXICO YOU SAVE ME SOME MONEY I WAS GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE MECANIC ALL IT WAS THAT MY BOLTS WERE LOSE... GOD BLESS

[@carlmartinez2465]

Great video Chris but I am still having problems going into reverse from 1st to 2nd in my 70 Ghia. My detent does not work. I replaced the reverse lock out plate (with the long lip towards passenger side) and adjusted my cable to have proper free play, replace the coupler and tunnel bushing and have adjusted the shifter in all gears including reverse. what have I forgotten? Thanks

[@andys1755]

Can't thankyou enough!!! Great advice 100% Setup off 2nd worked a treat Hole in one! Cheers🥂

[@chadschill7961]

Great post bud a huge help. Thanks.

[@rickguell2971]

Hey Chris (or anyone else) I just got the empi billet T shifter. I know it's kind of a lower end shifter, but has it given anyone a lot of reoccurring problems?? just wondering if I should just go for a better one. thanks for this video man

[@kevinperry6582]

I just replaced my shift bushings, coupler on my vw 76 bus. now I have every gear except 1st, (it just grinds). would you suspect shift plate? i've tried adjusting it side to side with no improvement. Thanks for you videos, they are fantastic.

[@snowflex4029]

Hey. Ive tried to tighten in all gears and im still having trouble downshifting from 3-2 gear. Is there anything else i could do?? Thank you

[@daricodude3555]

My reverse lockout plate is actually next to my 3rd and 4th gear, I would have to push the shifter in to get to the 1st, 2nd and reverse gear... Do I replace or can it be fixed?

[@GoldenBrain3000]

Thank you, Chris.

[@albertomaytorena5852]

Thank you for your video

[@bigboidhb82]

great video chris, imma have to check mine its making a slight crunching noise an a little sloppy

[@paulortnakamura2968]

thanks for the tips!

[@thewildbean4413]

This helps so much!!!

[@ukrainianwonder]

Great video!! Wondering if this will help my issue. ‘73 bug goes into reverse no problem when cold, but very hard and lots of grinding when motor/trans is warmed up. Is it worth trying this adjustment? Have you heard of this before?

[@kopynd1]

is the 2 tab shifter plate better than the single tab. cheers

[@JamesGodish]

Thanks for the video. Love the channel. Just recently had issues trying to get into first. Have to keep pressing and then it finally goes. Is this something you've seen before? Thanks.

[@leroybrown6118]

Thx!!! I'm gonna try to adjust mime in the morning

[@robertwittmer7035]

I had this problem with 2nd and reverse fighting each other after I replaced the shifter bushing. 72 super so mine is different. In my case putting it far to the right and in 3rd gear and locking it down finally worked.

[@KatheMinnema1]

Awesome I'm trying this tomorrow ...

[@cjmurray7569]

Thanks for the information . Bought a 1970 beetle. Guy had put T shifter on it and it would not go into reverse. Took shifter off , shift rod, and coupler. Bushing no good . Shift rod sticky and coupler attic pieces were not very good shape. Bought new and cleaned up the shift rod and put everything back. Bought new shifter also. Pin on the T shifter was bent. After lining everything up, it will not go into every gear. Have removed it several time , check everything and still same thing. Any ideas what I'm missing . Thank you

[@thelittleredbarn174]

Can changing the front tranny mount throw the alignment of the shifter off? As after installing a rebuilt engine and new clutch cable on my 67 bus along with the tranny mount the shifter is grinding going into reverse, like its not going far enough into gear and when it is and when I let up on the clutch it just pops out of gear which feels like it was barely in. And I thought that maybe I didn't have the clutch cable not tight enouge but after tighting it down a little more its still the same. Hmm?

[@michaeld.3779]

You might have used the later shift plate that goes with that shift housing. You have an earlier shift plate in this video. It doesn't fit with that later shift housing. The fore and aft of the newer shift plates have metal that curls up around the squared-off fore and aft portions of the shift housing. They mesh, glove in hand, so that when you move the shift housing, the shift plate moves also. I like to loosen, then just snug the bolts and let the shifter tell me where it wants to go, by shifting into first and second (engine off). Then I tighten the bolts and see if I get third and fourth. If not, I loosen the bolts a tad and scootch the shift housing over to the left a tad to get third and fourth. Re-tighten the bolts and maybe have to play with it a bit, but most often, this method works well.

[@jessearnett2639]

I have an issue with not going into first at all. All other gears including reverse shifts like butter. Any suggestions

[@Dahniol_]

What about grinding going into 1st and reverse with a SCAT Shifter?

[@svencolvard6669]

So I have a 69 Baja bug and I put it in reverse but now it’s stuck in reverse won’t get out of reverse any ideas I was thinking clutch linkage? Any ideas please let me know thank you

[@HBfisherman]

Thanks for the video, I appreciate it! My issue is the shifter grinds from 3rd to 2nd and I have trouble getting it from 2nd to 3rd after downshifting. Sometimes it works flawlessly other times it doesn’t. Any suggestions?

[@classicvwbugs]

Did you try adjusting the plate like I show in this video?

[@MTSVW]

My ‘68 Bug has tight linkage (all new bushings) but now it grinds when downshifting into 2nd or 1st. It was easier to drive with the worn out bushings! Double clutching will get me down into 2nd, but 1st always grinds unless the car is at a complete stop. I’m hoping it’s not the synchronizers.

[@vcamps88]

Soo, I've rebuilt the whole system including the trans. Theres times that while shifting to 2nd gear, it drops into reverse by accident. Is there anything I'm doing wrong? Is there something I can do to prevent this from happening.. other than learn how to drive stick..??

[@somethingspecial3410]

Thanks! I have a bus though. Do you have info for a ‘74?

[@coldcash12345]

Chris what do you think about those quick shift kits that space the shifters away from the tunnel?

[@classicvwbugs]

I no like! =o)

[@MrBen2316]

my cat works and drives and all the frets work beside the reverse what does that mean.. the guy who had it said it's a clip andbhe had a screw in it right now to hold it and the reverse gos butbjebdojt use it so it don't mess up the transmission.. what's that mean

[@lariolouw5677]

SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@classicvwbugs]

Thank you 👍

[@tomdonnelly1154]

Thanks !

[@reconphil]

If the car shifts ok up but grinds a little on the down shift (unless you are careful) can that be and adjustment or is it the syncros?

[@zaddyseay8040]

I’m having the same issue

[@jonathanferro330]

hey Chris how's it going I am having an issue on my 1961 that if I tighten down the shifter it get super tight I changed the bushing already and the shifter to another stock one but as soon as it is tighten down it only shift only into 3 and 4th and the shifter is super tight. Soon as I loosen it the shifter gets super sloppy but I am to find the gears any help would be apricated

[@classicvwbugs]

You have all of the components there? Shift plate? Spring?

[@BH-ut7mr]

Hi Chris. My bug shifts great no issues but it does have a lot of sloppiness. Can I make these adjustments you showed us here from inside the vehicle ? Thank you.

[@classicvwbugs]

Yeah sloppiness is most likely your shift rod bushing is worn, that is now in the tunnel.

[@jeffreykelley6077]

I have a 1958 vw beetle looking for advice on replacing the coupler having issues with alignment and finding first gear and reverse goes in without pushing down on the shifter

[@classicvwbugs]

The rear coupler under the back seat? Not sure that would be it, do you have the shift plate under the shift housing?

[@jeffreykelley6077]

@@classicvwbugs where the shifter bushing would be ?

[@classicvwbugs]

@@jeffreykelley6077 I have a video on replacing that shifter bushing if you need.

[@boraboyvr6]

Hello! When I shift from 1st to 2nd some times I hit reverse, I replace the shifter plate but I still having the problem, the bushing rod is in good conditions, what else can be!? Wrong shifter plate adjustment? Thanks!

[@classicvwbugs]

+boraboyvr6 You might have it on backwards?

[@paulfishanderson]

when you say passenger side are you in a left hand drive ? cheers thanks for the vid ...

[@AxeyDesignsHD]

Yes

[@gicapetrescu8291]

Hi Chris! Is this going to solve my problem as well; getting in the reverse when trying to shift in second?

[@classicvwbugs]

It should yeah

[@10mudpuppy]

ha ha I put the reverse lockout plate on the left hand side and it works great. Bolting it down on the right side I have nothing but problems. Go figure:)

[@crystalsampson9992]

74 v beetle grinds when shift into reverse backing up, what could be the reason but not all the time, it just started doing this?

[@ElijahSheltonScientist]

Same thing started happening to me recently. Did adjusting plate fix your issues?

[@Josesosajr1]

Hello bro . I just purchased a 1973 vw baja bug and I'm having allot of trouble going into 1st gear but it doesn't grind or nothing else in other gears ! What should I do?? Thanks

[@garytompkins6955]

I have this issue too, but primarily when I'm under 5 mph and downshifting. It's just hard to get into first. I replaced the missing (degraded and broken) shift rod bushing and it has helped some but now I need to look at adjusting the plate I reckon.

[@emy1111]

just a bit stiff going into first... will a bit of grease help? also slips out of reverse sometimes. Thanks!

[@classicvwbugs]

grease or adjusting the plate I show. But if you pop out of gear, that could be internal tranny issue

[@emy1111]

Hi Chris! ok ill grease her up and see how she goes. Appreciate the help, leant allot form your vids!

[@zzzdogutube]

thanks

[@jorgegomez-tf3pu]

thanks chri

[@urthwoodstudio179]

Hey Chris I have a 1970 vw bus could I try this process on it? the set up looks fairly the same. Thanks

[@classicvwbugs]

+Original Hobbies I'm sure yeah. I don't work on the type 2s but... I'm sure it is the same. Anyone else out there want to chime in? =o)

[@gigglecompass1]

+Chris Vallone I can confirm that. Worked on my 70 Bus.

[@urthwoodstudio179]

thanks matthew

[@Marlon_Torres]

I'm going to try it on my 73 Westfalia. Having issues with second gear.

[@MMAfighter38113]

Chris Vallone I need your advice. On my 76 Beetle, Sometimes when shifting into first and second gear it’s not actually in gear when I push it into first. Then when i think it’s in first & try to accelerate, there’s no power because it’s not fully in first. Same problem with second. Third and fourth are just fine. And advice would greatly be appreciated

[@rambo46r13]

Hey I have a problem with my 1968 VW Beetle it grinds in reverse. But not in 1st or 2nd or 3rd and 4th. What could it be thanks.

[@classicvwbugs]

Did you try adjusting the shift plate?

[@rambo46r13]

@@classicvwbugs I haven’t yet I’m going to try it thanks.

[@FatRakoon]

I have just bought a custom built Trike, built with a brand new 2013 4-Cylinder Boxer bettle engine. It has only done 800 miles and so its absolutely brand new. 2 issues however. The camshaft wheel that has a belt on it that turns the alternator has a small leak. ( I dont know what that wheel is actually called sorry ) but the leak is only a few drops, but its sprayed far and wide so it looks worse than it is. In saying this, I have kept an eye on the oil level, I have put about 600ml to keep it topped up and the leak seems to be gegtting better, but It going into a VW Dealer to get it checked out by the professionals ( I hope ) in the next day or two. The second issue is the gear change. A riend keeps telloing me that its me and that I have to get used to VW beetle gear changes, but I am now seeing that he knows nothing about what he is saying. I have had a few issues trying to find 1st. I mostly hit 3rd. I had massive issues going from 1st to 2nd and in the end, I would opt to get 3rd. My mate showed how he goes 1st to 2nd and he used 2 fingers and simply pulled it back, and sure enough, that did work, and I have no issues now going 1-2-3-4 and I can go from 3 to 4 and back to 3 as and when I want to, but I have NEVER been able to go from 3rd to 2nd... NEVER. I always have to go back to 3rd and make teh engine work, or slow right down and go 1st. However in the last 2 rides out, I have simply not been able to get 2nd at all, and even when stopped, I am struggling to find first. I have had to clutch the shit out of it and move off in 3rd more than I have bee nabel to get 1st. I have had the thing for only 3 weeks and the first 2 weeks it spent in his garden where he pulled the enghine out to replace a gasket only to find that was not the gasket that was needing to be replaced and so sod it, its now in my driveway.

[@travisc6368]

Does this info work for any year bug or just early ones? My '60 model has a newer style trans.

[@classicvwbugs]

Yes for sure

[@travisc6368]

Awesome. Thanks Chris. Will be trying it today.

[@zunigacristian4032]

Help me someone I just bought a bug .. and the shifter was all over the place like in parts I try to put it back together so it can be like the one in the video . ! Is there a way to assemble it back together if it falls apart or do I need to buy a new shifter :( sorry I’m fixing this on my own your videos help out a lot thanks 1994 bettle cheers from Mexico

[@mattkilbourne4654]

Not too complicated. Plenty of videos. Jbugs.com has some. Chris' are good too.

[@mondospeedy3089]

Hey Chris, It’s Mondo, I put a freeway flyer in my car, now there is no lock out? Meaning i can put in reverse with out pushing down on the shifter. Is this common? Or is there a easy fix? What do I look for/

[@classicvwbugs]

Hey man! Hmmm yeah that does not sound right. What will happen when you need to go to 2nd? Or down shift to 2nd?

[@mondospeedy3089]

Chris Vallone well I can drive it, put in second gear, with no issues, but when I want to put in reverse, i dont need to push down on the shifter , its just pull left. ,and back, i have reverse? No lock out?

[@classicvwbugs]

@@mondospeedy3089 Something doesn't sound right. Sounds internal.

[@mondospeedy3089]

Chris Vallone thanks Chris.. i was told it was the shifter, its a bran new tranny. I’ll check the shifter, I really don’t want to pull the tranny, what a pain.. thanks again.

[@rileyhough4351]

I have a 1973 super beetle that grinds when I try to go in reverse. It also pops out of reverse unless I hold it back. Could this fix the issue or is it another problem?

[@snowflex4029]

the pop back is normal but the gear is still in reverse

[@Otto0533]

Hi, you said the plate lip on the passanger side, right? I guess it's then for the Lefthand drive bugs? Because in South Africa these bugs are righthand drive..

[@garytompkins6955]

Haha! Good point Otto. I'm in USA but have driven manual in countries that drive on the 'wrong side of the road' and it seems it would be assembled opposite.

[@ithomson100]

Lip is still on the right ride on RHD bugs Otto.

[@lucacorelli6829]

Thx

[@koitsam9394]

I just replace the clutch on my 67vw bug but I can engage without pressing the clutch and also when I have it in gear and press the clutch down without starting and when I start it engage , pls help...

[@classicvwbugs]

Wait, you can engage the gears as the car is running and moving without pressing clutch?

[@koitsam9394]

I just replace clutch and put it back together and starts fine but I cannot put it in gear. But when I turn ignition off and put it in gear and when I start the car it want to jump even though I step clutch all the way down. Can I adjust the clutch cable tighter maybe.. pls help

[@classicvwbugs]

@@koitsam9394 how much free play is in the clutch?

[@robbieruddock722]

my thing suddenly stopped engaging into gear and makes a grinding sound, but not loud like jumping gears, I replaced the pressure plate, clutch, throw-out barring, main seal,o ring, and it didn't fix it , would have been nice to be in a garage. anyone have any clue as to what the problem is?

[@61kwt]

I do have the same issue too!!

[@XXARGYLLSXX]

I have a 71 super beetle and I completely lost reverse, there were no loud pops or bangs or any things like that. If anyone could help that would be amazing

[@tomdonnelly1154]

It has to do with the little plate shown in this video. It has to be in the right position and bolted down. Also THE COUPLE can be bad . it costs about 15 bucks. You have to lie under the car and replace it.

[@mattkilbourne4654]

Dont forget to check and replace the shift rod bushing. Common culprit. Plenty of DIY videos (Chris is very good).

[@crystalsampson9992]

my 1974 vwbeetle grinds reverse why?

[@TheKramnilmot]

Is it also passenger side on a R/H/drive model?

[@MicBergsma]

Yes I think so

[@stevejohnson7996]

I am having 1 problem.The shifter keeps coming out of the slot in the shift rod.Any suggestions?

[@idbandmusic]

bushings

[@stevejohnson7996]

all new

[@julianphelps3852]

Just a small point re the lock out plate: all these vids need to use left or right when talking bout orientation of plate as driver/passenger sides can be misleading as in UK, passenger side is opposite so long lug on plate is always on right of tunnel-I realised this when putting mine back & having it ‘wrong’ way!!

[@whitneywilger5981]

Chris!!!! I totally just fixed my shifting issues thanks to this video! Thank you so much! We are on instagram as @bertha_the_vwbus if you want to follow along on our adventures. Cheers!!

[@mandajanessimplelife404]

Hey I just bought a 04 vw beetle I’ve had it for 3 days and yesterday i has to slam my brakes and clutch because a guy almost hit me right after that it started making a grinding and like whiny noise like it don’t want to go in any gear and then if it’s in gear driving it’s making this noise any idea what it could be

[@keeledover4218]

Could be low gear oil level

[@70NastyLac]

No grinding but can't get to go into 3rd or 4th gear

[@rundoetx]

Does this work for the "Popping out of Gear" issue also?

[@classicvwbugs]

Possibly, but usually that is internal tranny issue.

[@rundoetx]

@@classicvwbugs okie dokie. Thanks

[@mattkilbourne4654]

Which gear(s)?

[@rundoetx]

It was second gear. Not all the time, but every once in a while. But this seems to have fixed it so far. Knock on wood.

[@mattkilbourne4654]

K, good. Fingers crossed for you.

[@vickensagherian5331]

Dear Sirs, i have a vw 1973 classic beetle where i need to rebuild or repair the manual shifter, however, my car doesn't have the 2 access plates. How can i repair it? your prompt answer is highly appreciated, thanks and regards. Vicken

[@tomwaller2111]

I recently fitted a new shift rod bushing and coupler to my 61 beetle due to a very worn old coupler causing sloppy shifting. After fitting it all back together I developed crunching into 1st and reverse. After a lot of messing and adjusting the stop plate etc, I now get the occasional crunch in these gears. Any tips to stop this from happening? I've been told it could be me not being used to the nice firm gear changing and positioning but I'm not sure...?

[@mattkilbourne4654]

You know it, my son and I just replaced the coupling on our 72 Beetle today. After putting everything back together we were having problems shifting into 1st or 3rd. We were watching the coupling as we were shifting and we noticed that the grub screw that came with the new coupling kit that holds the coupling onto the transmission shaft was taller than the old one and was bumping into the frame, preventing the shifter from shifting completely into first or third. We did some alterations in order to allow the grub screw to not bump into the metal. You might want to check yours.

[@tomwaller2111]

@@mattkilbourne4654 Fixed a long time ago lol. Ending up being the shift plate not central in the correct position. Didn't realise it has to be in such a precise location when bolted down.

[@josez7433]

I have a Vw golf (2002) and when I turn it on, on a cold start I hear something pop like it hitting against my car and when I drive I hear it hitting but stops after a certain RPM, what can I do? I tried looking at it from the shift boot but can't see anything

[@JungleCruiseSkipper]

show the spring, show the ball going into the socket, etc

[@TheGuerillapatriot]

mine just slips into reverse

[@aldyananda9578]

how about right steering wheel (asian) so the plate must be reverse?

[@classicvwbugs]

No, shifting is the same even on a RHD.

[@aldyananda9578]

@@classicvwbugs thank you, so on RHD the the plate facing driver side not passenger side right?

[@aldyananda9578]

@@classicvwbugs same as your video

[@classicvwbugs]

@@aldyananda9578 correct!

[@petenagel8831]

What does the plate do. i have a vw trike no plate shifter all over the plase

[@Koloherides]

The plate that’s not shown that’s under the car the bolts go to you don’t talk about both mine are ez