Former VWDieselParts.com Forum

My friend bought a '93 TD and says the shifter is stiff. I suspect it is a cable shifter...correct? Is there a method of lubricating it? 5spd

Thank you in advance.

Are you sure it is a cable shifter (02A transaxle)?

No, he picks up the car tomorrow. Because I thought that MK3 VR6 had cables his does too. Correct me if I'm wrong.

It's a mechanical shifter, linkage and bushings, just checked with a source, my error.

Can you explain what stiff means? Is it hard to move the shifter in any direction, or is it just hard to get into a gear, or both? The nylon bushings may be worn and should be replaced, or the shifter needs an alignment adjustment, or there's something up with the transmission. But, I think more information is needed to be sure.

It is hard to move the shifter in any direction.

The transmission works well.

Thank you for the reply.

Then it's likely the nylon on the shift rods is worn and parts/pieces need replacement.

82vdub wrote:Can you explain what stiff means? Is it hard to move the shifter in any direction, or is it just hard to get into a gear, or both? The nylon bushings may be worn and should be replaced, or the shifter needs an alignment adjustment, or there's something up with the transmission. But, I think more information is needed to be sure.

Some tips on diagnosing shifting issues below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/ForSale/ ... ngProblems

In summary, disconnect the shifter from the linkage and see if the stiffness is in the shifter or the linkage, then track down the cause from there.

Stiff when cold?
That goes away after driving awhile?