1999 (T) Golf GTi 20vT Crunching Gears.

[Clstrphbc_donut]

I've had the Golf now for 2 months, and a few weeks after I bought it, it started to crunch into gear every so often. At first it wasn't gear specific, it could be going from reverse to first, or first to second, but it seemed to be in the low gears.

Recently, I've established it happens mostly going from first into 2nd, when I don't keep the gearstick absolutely perfectly central into 2nd, even if it's almost into 2nd therefore can't go into 4th accidentally. This happens both when giving it some stick and also normal driving.

It also "bumps" into reverse occasionally, from either neutral or first. It can only be described as a milli-grind but I feel the car judder very slightly.

Any idea's as to what the problem could be?

[Clstrphbc_donut]

After hours of googling, I've found the problem.

Most pre 2002 Golfs have the 02J gearbox. This is known for a problem known as "1st to 2nd crunch" and this is what I'm experiencing. The only remedy is to replace first and second gear, the sync rings and hub on the gearbox. I think I will ring my warrenty company tomorrow as there's a few other things I'll claim on.

[kalniel]

Doesn't that affect every small car in existence? I can't remember the last time I drove a small car that didn't crunch from first to second.

[SilentDeath]

none of the cars I have driven crunch like that. I was going to reply yesterday, before you found the problem.. was thinking maybe linkage needs realligning or something..

[wazi]

sounds like synchromesh is worn
u tried to use any slick 50 /molyslip ? (make sure box doesnt have limited slip diff)

[Mblaster]

Doesn't that affect every small car in existence? I can't remember the last time I drove a small car that didn't crunch from first to second.

Haven't had that in my 2000 Seat Ibiza 1.4, with 115k on the clock ...