Difficulty Getting Gears

[derekpara]

I'm having difficulty getting the gears in my VW Polo. Reverse crunches in and all the others are difficult to engage. What could be the most likely cause ?

Details: X reg VW Polo 1.4 petrol manual. 44k on clock. Original clutch.

Cheers.

D

[rnchugg]

clutch gone

[jomifl]

Clutch not disengaging, check that the carpet is not rucked up (or anything else) under the clutch pedal

[welshlibranr]

had the same problem with my KA a few weeks ago, it was also making a noise when I tried to change gear, the clutch needed replacing..........had the work done, it's fine again now!......

[gingejbee]

methyl; think it's hydraulic clutch - no cable to adjust.

[jomifl]

The clutch not disengaging properly indicates that it probably needs adjusting rather than replacing. A clutch on a car that is driven normally should last 100k+

[derekpara]

The clutch is disengaging OK - it's just not engaging properly.

[B00]

<runs in>

Blows Derek a kiss

<runs out again>

Ello poppet, hope you're well xxx

[AlBags]

It's NOT disengaging properly if difficult to get into gears and reverse.

However, Polo's did have a problem with pedal boxes cracking/bending. This will give the same effect as a partially engaged clutch.
Check out for wear in the pedal box .. it only has a few spot welds. Alternatively, contact a dealer with car details, and see if it subject of a recall .. VW did one on Polos for that reason.

[derekpara]

Boo, me old luv ! Fancy meeting you again.

Kiss returned with extra yum-yum.

I'm fine. Hope you are, too.

Excuse us folks !

[derekpara]

Thanks, Albags. My mistake.

Your suggestion sounds a tad expensive and the car is 10 years old now so I doubt it would qualify for a recall - or would it ?

Cheers

D

[welshlibranr]

it may be dere, if not a clutch cost me about £260.more for a VW I suppose, but probably worth it!...your mileage is low after all!.........

[AlBags]

Yes it WILL qualify if it's not been registered as 'incorporated' .. It may have been missed. You would get it done for free.
Don't go changing clutch yet .. as the pedal box can give the same symptoms.

[derekpara]

Thanks, Albags, that's reassuring.

Mdoo. It's both; difficult to find gear and a good push needed to engage.

Car is always stationary when I engage reverse and it still crunches.

D

[jomifl]

If it is a hydraulic clutch it could be the clutch master cylinder seals leaking. this would slowly re-engage the clutch as you keep the pedal depressed. You can test this by pressing the clutch pedal down with the engine idling, engaging a high gear and waiting for a minute or so whilst still holding the clutch down. If there is a master cylinder leak the clutch will slowly re-engage by itself and stall the engine.

[derekpara]

Hi all you helpful blokes.

Getting the car checked by a trustworthy VW trained fitter on Tuesday. Will let you all know what happens.

Cheers.

D

[derekpara]

Problem solved and sorted.

The bracket holding the complete pedal assembly had broken - apparently a common fault with this model.

Repaired by my excellent local fitter who is fully VW trained and entirely trustworthy. To replace the assembly he had to remove the whole steering column/assembly. Total cost £145.

Thanks for all of your inputs.

Cheers.

D