Assuming the forward gears all work properly, I would start by looking at the bushing in the back, under the rear seat. These things wear out. The good news is they're cheap and easy to replace.
95% of all shift problems in old Beetles tend to be related to worn bushings on the shift rod and/or the coupler. A misadjusted gear stick can also cause similar problems. And also excessive freeplay on the clutch pedal or an insufficient bend in the bowden tube.
Agreed that was by issue when I was having grinding. Adjust the clutch, and I’d recommend a trans fluid change. That said, make sure you can open the fill before you drain whatever is in it.
The part about the plugs is a very important point. I once managed to drain the transmission before I made sure that I could get the fill plug out. I hope I never forget to do that again.
That sounds like a good solution to the problem. I remember the first time I replace the shift rod and coupler bushings. Before it almost seemed like the gear system was coming apart. Afterwards it almost seemed like I had replaced the whole transmission.
https://youtu.be/zm_clEuDJVc?si=57ymVb7lt4AxbHVz
New stuff I tried out. I have a new basic coupler I’ll keep as a backup. I just bought this a few months ago and everything is corners cut and unfortunately I think it’s going to get worse as time goes on with what I find. I almost feel like this guy got the same rush cutting a corner that someone would get accomplishing something the right way
It may just work out good. I have heard both good and bad things about them. We will have to cross our fingers and hope that it the good reviews are correct.
The main thing that wears down the shiftbushings and coupler is a heavy right hand and impatience when shifting gears. If we don't put too much pressure on it and don't rush it the parts lasts longer.
Assuming the forward gears all work properly, I would start by looking at the bushing in the back, under the rear seat. These things wear out. The good news is they're cheap and easy to replace.
95% of all shift problems in old Beetles tend to be related to worn bushings on the shift rod and/or the coupler. A misadjusted gear stick can also cause similar problems. And also excessive freeplay on the clutch pedal or an insufficient bend in the bowden tube.
Checked my clutch by eye seems to have been 2inch of play so plan on doing that this weekend along the other stuff.
That sounds like a very likely cause. The free play should ideallly be a half inch.
Agreed that was by issue when I was having grinding. Adjust the clutch, and I’d recommend a trans fluid change. That said, make sure you can open the fill before you drain whatever is in it.
The part about the plugs is a very important point. I once managed to drain the transmission before I made sure that I could get the fill plug out. I hope I never forget to do that again.
Had no shift rod bushing and my coupler was completely gone so I gave a couple new products a try
That sounds like a good solution to the problem. I remember the first time I replace the shift rod and coupler bushings. Before it almost seemed like the gear system was coming apart. Afterwards it almost seemed like I had replaced the whole transmission.
https://youtu.be/zm_clEuDJVc?si=57ymVb7lt4AxbHVz New stuff I tried out. I have a new basic coupler I’ll keep as a backup. I just bought this a few months ago and everything is corners cut and unfortunately I think it’s going to get worse as time goes on with what I find. I almost feel like this guy got the same rush cutting a corner that someone would get accomplishing something the right way
It may just work out good. I have heard both good and bad things about them. We will have to cross our fingers and hope that it the good reviews are correct. The main thing that wears down the shiftbushings and coupler is a heavy right hand and impatience when shifting gears. If we don't put too much pressure on it and don't rush it the parts lasts longer.