TheSamba.com :: View topic - Manual transmission sometimes doesn't want to go into gear

Fri Apr 13, 2012 7:46 am

I have a 74 Ghia coupe with a manual transmission that is in a stock configuration. Sometimes when I am driving I cannot put the car into any gear. It seems that this happens most when downshifting. What causes this? I'm thinking that I should have the transmission rebuilt to get this problem resolved. Is that the right next step? Thanks.

Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:06 am

Check gear oil level??? Needs to be checked at every other tune up.

When was gear oil last changed??? If unknown, change and keep changing every 30,000 miles.

Check the front and rear transaxle mounts.

Check clutch pedal for proper amount of play and adjust as required.

Shifting too quickly when gear oil cold? Slow down shifting between the gears. EG shift into neutral and count two seconds, then shift into the next gear.

Lastly could be a sign your needle bearings in the fly wheel gland bolt are bad. Those do need a tiny bit of grease now and then when engine is out.

Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:57 am

This might help:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=179269&highlight=nose+cone+shift