[Vwdiesel] grinding 5th gear

[LBaird119@aol.com]

  Could be low gear oil, in which case there's probably damage. 
Could be the sloppy part but as Roger said you do need to 
identify just where it's sloppy.  On the A1 there's a squared 
fitting on the vertical shaft that gets worn.  Could be a simple 
fore/aft adjustment such that the shifter lever is going as far 
forward as physically possible but not pushing the shift linkage 
far enough at the tranny.
  There's an adjustment for the 5th gear fork that could unthread a 
bit and put it out of adjustment.  Tranny doesn't have to come out, 
just the end cover with the tranny sagged down to clear.
  Best to watch the linkages as someone puts it into each 
gear as you request.  If all moves right and the shifter knob isn't 
way forward and hitting, then you're left with internals.  The main 
shaft bushing can make for slop but shouldn't prevent 5th gear 
engagement.
     Loren