MKIII Diesel Has Stiff Shifter--Lube Problem

[Brit101]

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.

[VWCaddy]

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

[Brit101]

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

[Brit101]

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

[82vdub]

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.

[Brit101]

It is hard to move the shifter in any direction.

The transmission works well.

Thank you for the reply.

[82vdub]

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

[VWCaddy]

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.

[Fatmobile]

Stiff when cold?
That goes away after driving awhile?