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Mon Sep 01, 2008 5:56 pm

my 72 S.B. is popping out of reverse. I know the shift rod bushing needs to be replaced but I dont think thats the problem. Any sugestions??

Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:07 pm

yea same hear in my 74 sb(but its a 73 pan + drive train). Its just fine in every other gear but quite often does it pop out when in reverse. If all's right in the world it actually goes in you can just feel the gears lock in but most of the time i doesn't feel like it. I always just assumed that the reverse gear wasn't in the proper alignment any more. I don't use reverse often so i never worried a whole lot about it with mine, but it would be nice to hear some info on the topic.

Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:29 pm

Hmm, our '72 Super does the same thing. Fluid was changed, bushing was changed, coupler was changed and the clutch cable was changed & adjusted to specs. Still does it so I'm assuming it's something internal.

Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:05 pm

If it's popping out of gear, and the shift linkage is aligned, you're gonna have get inside the trans, my friend. No external adjustments to be made.
Or swap it out for a fresher tranny.

Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:09 pm

Bob's right, the problem is inside the gearbox. On the late gearboxes, it is ALWAYS the small reverse idler gear that is worn out. Crappy metalurgy is the cause. It should be swapped out now instead of waiting, otherwise, you risk damaging the 1-2 slider as well. New late model 1-2 sliders are not available new.

Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:10 pm

Can the small reverse idler gear be replaced with the trans still in the car? I'm planning on doing an engine swap soon.

Hey ofcdoug, know anyone in the area who works on transmissions?

Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:06 am

BUGSTUFF wrote: Can the small reverse idler gear be replaced with the trans still in the car?
Nope.
And you have to take the gearbox apart to do it.

Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:24 pm

We had the same issue on our 74, a trans is inexpensive and was easy enough just to replace! We had some engine removal and reinstall issues, then a clutch issue, but all in all, I think it will be worth it.

Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:33 pm

Reverse is the weakest gear. Someone said that you should always hold the stick in reverse to make it last longer and to prevent it from popping out...

Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:47 pm

number 57 the brass gear carrier is probably worn

Holding it in reverse will only prolong the problem.
It's an easy fix, once you get inside the trans case :D

They do make a later steel version (if that's the case?)
the gear might just be toast.

Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:12 am

Lotrat wrote: Reverse is the weakest gear. Someone said that you should always hold the stick in reverse to make it last longer and to prevent it from popping out...
IMO that will accelerate the wear on the reverse lever's fork. This will make it pop out of gear sooner than if you keep your hand off the shifter while backing up. VW specifically advises against holding onto the shifter while driving. You shouldn't hold ANY gear engaged while moving.

Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:13 pm

If you are already going to have the engine out its only another 10 mins to pull the trans and it would be easier to work on. Set it up on the work bench for easy reach instead of working on it upside down.