gearbox problems?

[stevehart]

Hi folks,

wonder if anyone can help. just had a big service on my S3 and I need more work doing and have a few problems.

First; as I change down into third gear when driving hard the gears crunch!! any ideas or suggestions??

second; I need to replace my pads and discs, any recommedation and approx. prices?

third; My dammed armrest is stuck in the upright position.

lastly; does anyone know of any good specialists in the Edinburgh area?

thanks for any help given!!

PS: my passanger seat also rattles

 

[Buster]

1, This seems to be a characteristic of the 6 speed box, I know a few people have changed the gearbox oil and it has helped out a bit. Worth doing for the cost really.

2, If you are just going to be replacing them for OEM you will be better off buying them from either GSF or Eurocar Parts, should cost around £80 for the front and £60 for the rear.

3, Search the forum regarding the armrest, there are loads of threads about it.

Lastly, Star Performance is the place for you to go. Very knowlendgable on VAG motors especially the 1.8T engine.

PS: My pasanger seat doesn't rattle

 

[bantam1]

New gearbox oil may help. Just had mine replaced and box is less notchy.

 

[stevehart]

cheers,

the gearbox oil was changed in the recent service and, thinking about it, it seems to be worse since then.

I take it the gearbox isnt ready to fall apart then??

 

[god_thats_quick]

I had my gearbox oil changed for some expensive motul stuff and the dog-bone mount replaced for the ECS one, has made the gearchanges on my car great both up on full beans and downshifts, I now only very ocassionally have problems with second when the car has been cold for a long time and those go away as soon as the car warms but I've heard some people that have had the box replaced still have problems so I'm a happy bunny!

 

[stevehart]

excuse my ignorance but whats the dog-bone mount and ECS? is this cheap and easily done?

 

[j4jon]

The dog-bone mount is an engine stabiliser bush at the bottom / back of the engine. ECS is the company that makes it, Powerflex also make one which is cheaper. It stops the engine rocking on changing up / down gears so makes shifts more precise, the downside being that you can feel some of the engine vibration through the steering wheel.
I have the Powerflex one on my A3 and it made a big difference to the gear shifts and the difference in vibration is not that noticeable.

 

[stevehart]

Cheers folks

 

[god_thats_quick]

Good explination jon, I would also say it is KEY when fitting it is torqued correctly due to how it works and the vibration is not that bad even with my ECS bushes (and using all three) which are harder than the powerflex ones, it's overall an improvement and you need to give them a few weeks to see what you think.