VW Mk1 Manual Transmission Shifter Linkage Adjustment DIY

[@seanrussell451]

Dude I have to tell you.. You nailed this video. The tape cassette idea worked flippen brilliant. Cheers mate. And Thankyou. I did so many goggles and yours worked

[@michaelshpadier3548]

Thanks a million for this DIY guide! Before I had everything spaced properly I couldn’t get into 1st or 2nd gear unless I pressed the shifter down a little.

[@sinistarmr2]

Recently finished installing a gear shift repair kit on my '87 16V, and this video was helpful. I used the cassette tape trick, except I used the case (protected with a sandwich baggie) instead of the actual cassette as it seemed closer to 15mm. I've only done a short test drive, and not sure if the shifting is any better, but at least it's not worse. Next up is to replace the clutch cable, then we'll see. Anyway, not sure if you still have your MK1, but hope to see more videos on it!

[@eurodriven2507]

I do still have it. It's in between engines right now. Took out the 1.7 and replacing it with an ABA. Did all of the maintanence on the ABA, doing chassis items on the Scirocco and hoping to never need to touch it other than oil changes and spark plugs once I'm done.

[@carlosordonez3352]

I have problems getting into first gear, all other gears work greeat. Do you think this will help my issue?

[@eurodriven2507]

Yes, first and reverse were my troublesome gears before doing this.

[@jonmcdonald6374]

I replaced all the bushings in the shift linkage, after a new clutch. Now I only have 3rd n 4th. If I push down like I'm putting it in reverse, i can get it to 1st and 2nd. 83 diesel rabbit. Can this be fixed by adjusting the linkage? I marked the splines before disassembly.... tia

[@eurodriven2507]

Yep, this is the adjustment you need!

[@jonmcdonald6374]

@eurodriven2507 thank you so much. I'll pull the rod out and try maybe 2 or 3 splines to the left, and see if that doesn't allow for 1st and 2nd to be out side the reverse lockout. Thank you soo much. I'm in MD, it's 1044pm, and my customer wants to sell this car in the morning lol

[@eurodriven2507]

Did it end up working out for you?

[@DenzilLekeur]

Hi, I repllace all my bushings but now I can't get in reverse and gears are stiff

[@eurodriven2507]

After you replaced the bushings, did you do the alignment?

[@claymationman36]

How far how does the shift rod need to be from the splines? I’ve been struggling with this on my ‘81 rabbit after I converted it to a 5sp from a 4sp. Now all I can hit is reserve when the car is on, but it goes through all the gears when in neutral- start it in gear and it sounds like it’s grinding. Any advice??

[@eurodriven2507]

Not sure exactly what you mean by "away from the splines." Linkage in neutral on top of trans (any bad bushings will be problematic), undo 13mm, adjust linkage side-side and front-back to where you want it in neutral, secure clamp. The splines should be grabbing the shift rod. (if I'm understanding your comment/terminology correctly. I can try to take another video for you if you want further clarification.

[@NGR.EPT.1990]

So i can put it into reverse without having to push down on the shifter and i have to feel for first. Its now in between rvrse and 3rd instead of 1st being the farthest left. Will this fix that issue as well?

[@eurodriven2507]

It might, but it sounds like your reverse lockout is busted. You could go from 2 to 1 to ensure you're finding 1st (had a buddy with an old Miata who did this for a while), but I'd take a look at the reverse lockout mechanism.

[@jackdunn3826]

Could be the spring on the gear lever has gone slack. If I’m understanding your comment correctly then I had the same issue. The spring went slack so I didn’t have to push down for reverse I had to pull the shifter up to find first. I bought a new gear lever pressure spring and it was solved

[@E_ina_G]

I replaced the linkage and bushings with the weighted techtonics short shifter kit and then replaced the smaller 5th gear clip on linkage hoping to finally have 5th gear again and now I’m unable to engage 1st and 2nd and 3rd-4th is where 1rst-2nd used to be will this fix my issue

[@eurodriven2507]

Yep, this'll be the fix!

[@E_ina_G]

@@eurodriven2507 thank you so much

[@cardiffchris]

Did you see the silver one that got 8500 on BAT?

[@eurodriven2507]

Yeah, I'm surprised it didn't go for more honestly. 16v's will always be more sought after though, which I think hurts the value of the 8v's more than it should.

[@DanielCarter-bk8se]

Does this work for 1988 mk1 cabriolet? I'm guessing so but idk for sure

[@eurodriven2507]

It should, just like the Scirocco, the Cabriolet was still built upon the Mk1 platform when the Golf and Jetta were on Mk2.

[@CorrieFourie-r5b]

I have a 1982 passat i fixed the linkages no reverse i am stressed out cannot get gairs so i cannot work please i need advice urgent i love my old car

[@eurodriven2507]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the B2 Passat, I'm not sure if it'd be similar or different to the Mk1. See if there's a Facebook group dedicated to them and seek advice from them. Good luck!

[@CorrieFourie-r5b]

Thanks for the replay I did loose the linkage at bottom put the geabox in revers put the gearlever in reverse and hold it thear with a strap tihten the linkage and the gears are working like a baby it never worked so smooth before once again thank you

[@gsmk2]

does this help with having troubles finding 1st?

[@eurodriven2507]

Yep, that was actually the gear I was having the most issues with after replacing the transmission mount. Fixed it right up!

[@gsmk2]

hoping it works. i have troubles finding first and commonly hit 3rd instead. i can find 2nd just fine though.

[@gsmk2]

@@eurodriven2507 does that sound familiar to your issue at all?

[@eurodriven2507]

@@gsmk2 Yeah, reverse was also a bit of a challenge for me.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

Does this work for Rabbits?

[@eurodriven2507]

Yep, it'll work for a 5spd Mk1 Rabbit.

[@firingallcylinders2949]

Sounds good thanks, Everything is lined up except 1st and reverse mix up. Sometimes I'm at a light and I think its first and its really reverse and I lurch backwards, it's kind of dangerous. Been tryna figure out how to rectify that for awhile. @@eurodriven2507

[@firingallcylinders2949]

Thanks, gonna tackle it​@@eurodriven2507

[@ToT10102]

I also own a s2 scirocco and have those GTI seats watta coincidence

[@eurodriven2507]

The popped up for sale about an hour away from me. Saved them and thought it over for about a week. Then they were suddenly free! Rushed down there, picked 'em up, swapped the seat foam/fabrics to keep the lower seating position of the original Scirocco seats. Absolutely love them, I'd really like to buy some matching fabric and make the rears match, but we'll see!

[@shipley7417]

I can’t get first gear at all

[@eurodriven2507]

Before or after adjustment? Can you get the transmission into first from the trans tower?