2nd gear synchro

sacnac Learner Dubber

12 posts · joined Apr 2011 · 18 Sep 2013, 8:35 pm

#970294

My '69 Beetle's gears grind when changing down from 3rd to 2nd. It's not a massive issue but just an annoyance.

I believe it is a 2nd gear synchro problem as there are no problems with any other gear changes, including reverse. No popping out of gear either.

As far as I see it I have 3 choices:

1. Live with it and nurse it along with double declutching etc.
2. Have the 2nd gear synchro fixed.
3. Change the gearbox.

Any ideas as to the best option and likely cost if options 2 or 3 are chosen.

Any advice welcome.

Regards

Simon

pogo Slammed & Awesome Dubber

85 posts · joined Nov 2011 · 19 Sep 2013, 4:32 pm

#970360

second gear was just like that in my bus for a while.. my guess is the neenie that had driven it before thought yanking the stick back and forwards is how you change gears. Are you revving the engine after depressing the clutch out of third gear to shift down to second? When was the last time you changed the transmission oil? Nulon Smooth Shift is available at most super cheap stores and does wonders.

My bus can do way over 1000 mph in the driveway. Yay for random astrology facts.

charlie Casual Dubber

28 posts · joined Nov 2011 · 19 Sep 2013, 5:44 pm

#970364

i have the same exact same problem in my 62 bug, im just going to nurse it while i save up for a new box, they are cheap something like $1200 i heard. check out classic veedub

BRUTUS Officially Full-On Dubber

255 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 25 Sep 2013, 9:15 pm

#970983

Double de-clutching should work, even with no syncro at all. Maybe the clutch isn't quite disengaging fully ?
Another possibility would be to change to fully synthetic (PAO based) trans oil (ie 75W-90 grade, or 70W-90). This can make for very smooth changes (but may cause weeping at seals). Much cheaper than the other options... and works better than just adding Nulon - which we've never seen any affect on the "shift" from - though it may have other benefits?
[Trans. level should be checked regularly, and preferably oil changed every TWO years... And we've seen 'boxes with almost NO oil at all in them!]

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pogo Slammed & Awesome Dubber

85 posts · joined Nov 2011 · 26 Sep 2013, 4:59 pm

#971046

BRUTUS wrote:Double de-clutching should work, even with no syncro at all. Maybe the clutch isn't quite disengaging fully ?
Another possibility would be to change to fully synthetic (PAO based) trans oil (ie 75W-90 grade, or 70W-90). This can make for very smooth changes (but may cause weeping at seals). Much cheaper than the other options... and works better than just adding Nulon - which we've never seen any affect on the "shift" from - though it may have other benefits?
[Trans. level should be checked regularly, and preferably oil changed every TWO years... And we've seen 'boxes with almost NO oil at all in them!]

Nulon Smooth Shift is a GL4 transaxle fluid designed specifically for this purpose.. I think you're talking about the G70 stuff that comes in toothpaste tube with micro fibre ingredients designed to fill gaps in the diff gears and reduce noise.

My bus can do way over 1000 mph in the driveway. Yay for random astrology facts.

grumble Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,672 posts · joined Jun 2008 · 26 Sep 2013, 6:21 pm

#971054

sacnac wrote:My '69 Beetle's gears grind when changing down from 3rd to 2nd. It's not a massive issue but just an annoyance.

I believe it is a 2nd gear synchro problem as there are no problems with any other gear changes, including reverse. No popping out of gear either.

As far as I see it I have 3 choices:

1. Live with it and nurse it along with double declutching etc.
2. Have the 2nd gear synchro fixed.
3. Change the gearbox.

Any ideas as to the best option and likely cost if options 2 or 3 are chosen.

Any advice welcome.

Regards

Simon

This is fairly common ,have you changed the oil? If you have done so the best option is to have the transmission rebuilt if you can afford it that way you know what you have and can look forward to another 50 years or so.

RISKY4LIFE Officially Full-On Dubber

308 posts · joined Jul 2010 · 26 Sep 2013, 7:09 pm

#971058

is it running a quick shift or empi shifter ???