Throw in the towel? [Transmission issues]

CoyoteStarfish

Veteran Member
Joined
May 25, 2011
Location
Miami, FL
TDI
01 Beetle
So I've just about had it, convinced this car is cursed.

I've been having some issues shifting into 3rd gear lately. Like, major ones. It would just grind when I tried. So I've been doing 1-2-4-5 lately. Then, the other day, 4th went out on me. I went and checked the shift bushings and sure enough my bushing is obliterated.


No worries, I try to throw some tubing I had laying around in the bushings spot to tighten up the slop while I wait for some new bushings to arrive. Do a shift cable calibration, and I give it a test shift. Feels great with the engine off! I take it for a test drive...all I have is 1st and 2nd, and SOMETIMES 5th - usually getting stuck. Even shifting the transmission from under the engine bay by the shift tower feels strange and seems to catch on gears.

Between all the bad bushings I've found underneeth, wheel bearing starting to squeak, transaxle slinging oil from the output shafts, eating turbochargers and still no turbo right now, A/C death, horrible interior and exterior conditions I'm seriously considering selling this thing, or pushing it into a lake. Of lava. If I can find one. :mad::mad::mad:


If I can get this transmission issue under control I'd love to keep it, but I can't seem to get it to shift properly under any conditions. Ideas?
 

Nickmix

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2011
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta GL TDI
Have you checked the trans fluid to see how it looks and if any metal is in it? The trans could just be on its way out.
 

CoyoteStarfish

Veteran Member
Joined
May 25, 2011
Location
Miami, FL
TDI
01 Beetle
I wouldn't doubt that it's low on gear oil, it leaks like a sieve. I top it off from time to time to try and keep it happy. The output bearings are utterly trashed and I have not had the sort of finances around to pull it and split the case.
At this point, if I can make it last for a few more months I'll be fine as I'm transitioning jobs right now, probably order a 6-speed from across the pond. As it is, I have it up for sale right now for about the cost of just the ALH itself and my eye on a '99 E300.
I'll check the level later on today, maybe drain and refill it completely. I feel awful abusing this transmission like this but I don't really have any other alternatives right now.
As for donating, I'm still in the hole on the car from the person I bought it from. I was supposed to have paid it off by now but the cost of keeping it on the road has drained most of my funds. Luckily it was a private sale and they are VERY patient. So, donate? Sure. But I'd need something to drive in the meantime. :p
 
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