Crunching noise when selecting 3rd gear

P

paybelb

Member
Hi Folks

Just looking a bit of help. I have strated to experience what seems to be a crunching noise when selecting third gear on my A2 1.4 TDi. It only happens when the engine is cold and usually only happens once or twice during a trip. There doesn't seem to be a lack of power in any gear although I could be wrong. Car has done 57,000 miles and I'm hoping it's not due a new clutch. Any help would be useful.

Also if any of you know a good independent service garage in Northern Ireland it would be most appreciated.

Thanks
 
No problem in any other gear except third gear. Just happens once or twice when your start driving the car then its fine for the rest of the trip.
 
Could be the gearbox oil due to cold weather. I have experienced this issue with humpy but more so in 2nd gear. As the oils circulate and warm up, so the shift effort becomes easier. A synthetic gear oil will help alleviate the problem to a certain extent.
What i do now in the cold mornings is to "cycle" through and between all gears whilst still stationary. I find that de-clutching also helps the slight baulkiness when cold. Certainly i would have a more serious look into the issue if it persisted or got worse.
 
My 2001 TDi also crunches when engaging second gear in cold weather until the oil warms up. Taking the change very slowly with a slight pause as the lever goes through the neutral position usually eliminates the 'grating' noise.
Its been like this from new.

Cheers Spike
 
Many thanks for your help guys. I shall try your suggestions and hope that its not the clutch on the way out.
 
Mine did it this morning engaging 2nd - temperature outside was -3C. Gearbox was slow and heavy so I just took it a bit more gently on the ol' gearchanges as a result. I suspect it's down to the cold making the 'box oil rather gloopy.
 
I get this when changing up from 2nd to 3rd; and despite a gearbox oil change a couple of weeks ago the issue is still present. Try changing gear slower, or double de-clutching as the root of the issue is the synchros aren't aligning up correctly. The issue does 'fade' as the gearbox warms up and the oil circulates, but in the temperatures we're experiencing at present I still sometime experience the issue after I've been driving for 45 mins or so.

Ultimately, your gearbox is wearing. Mine's covered 104,000 miles so is probably further down the line than yours!

Ian
 
Is the gearbox oil justed filled to the top of the filler hole?
Also, do people bother flushing? As in, fill, short drive, empty, fill, short drive, empty, fill.
 
When the time comes to replace humpy's geabox oil, i intend to drain, fill, drive maybe 1000 miles and then drain and refill again. Some will say this may be time and money wasted but i think its the best way to remove most traces of the old oil and allow the detergent components of the fresh oil to remove any other matter. Having said that, the gearbox is a sealed unit so only wear related muck should flush out.
When, you ask?
When the new ratio 5th gear cogs arrive.
Soon, i hope.
Oh, to the bottom edge of the filler plug with the vehicle on a level surface is "full".
 
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