VW MK5 - Hard to select gears?

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Thu 20 May 2021 22:01
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - Roy Brown

Hi, on my Jetta mk5 (same as mk5 golf) the gears are really stiff to select especially when going through the neutral selection eg 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5 etc? I have looked on top of the gearbox and the cable closest to the engine is very squeaky when going through the gears. I did try some WD40 on it but it didn't seem to do anything.

The car is 12 years old but has only done 40k miles, anyone ever come across this before?

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Fri 21 May 2021 08:21
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - lordwoody

Don't forget WD40 is not a lubricant ( even assuming lack of lubrication is the problem), it's a water dispersant, hence the WD part of the product name.

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Fri 21 May 2021 09:47
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - Oli rag

WD40 IS a lubricant, all be it not a very good one as it is a compromise between being a water displacer, lubricant ,rust protector and having electrical insulation ( I think?) properties. On the whole I find it pretty good as an allrounder but not as good a dismantling fluid as something like plus gas.

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Mon 7 Jun 2021 11:27
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - Andrew-T

WD40 IS a lubricant, albeit not a very good one as it is a compromise between being a water displacer, lubricant ,rust protector and having electrical insulation ( I think?) properties.

I wouldn't classify WD40 as a lubricant; its 'lubricating' properties don't last long. It's a good loosener and solvent for anything greasy, but it is also volatile. As for insulation I wouldn't like to comment, but I'm not sure how it could be used for that ?

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Fri 21 May 2021 09:28
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - Andrew-T

After getting my 1994 Pug 306 a couple of years ago, I had the gearchange linkages properly lubed. It didn't make them 'as new' but it certainly improved things, most noticeably after a few miles on the road.

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Thu 3 Jun 2021 22:07
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - Roy Brown

What type of lube should i use then for this?

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Fri 4 Jun 2021 14:59
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - Theophilus

I'm no authority, but for similar issues I've found WD40 PTFE lubricant spray to be effective

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Sun 27 Jun 2021 17:08
VW MK5 - Hard to select gears? - mark999

Problems with gear selection can be due to a worn clutch (is the biting point high?) If the clutch is hydraulic has it been bled?

Does the gear linkage need adjustment.

Mark

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