Stiff Shifting in Hot Weather (87 Syncro)

[lolalola62]

When it's around 100 degrees or more where I live (California's San Joaquin Valley) the transmission becomes very stiff and difficult to shift. In cooler weather, even in the 90s, it's fine. Any ideas?
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1987 Syncro, 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon, 1972 Standard Beetle

[ZsZ]

the middle bushing of the linkage can soften from the heat of the radiator. Especially aftermarket ones.
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Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008

[MarkWard]

To clarify. You need to determine if it’s the external shift linkage or internal to the transaxle. I had a problem with some support bushings that were aftermarket. The issue wasn’t so much heat related, but they would over time shrink on the shaft so you basically could not shift it. I could take it apart and lube and it would be ok for about a week. It was the spherical bushings with the rubber boots. There are 2. The cure was the softer replacement ones that don’t use boots. The seller admitted some defective ones got out there. Next time it stiffens try disconnecting the shifter bracket from the transmission. You should be able to select a gear from bellow by grabbing the ball arm. If not, it could be internal.