Stiff (very stiff) gearbox on a citi golf.

[Sean Trollope]

Hi guys. I've been struggling for a while now with a very stiff 5 speed gearbox. It requires a lot of force to get it into each gear. I've changed the gearbox oil. I've adjusted the linkages. It doesn't grate gears.

The car is a 1997 1.3 Chico.
What causes this problem and how can I fix it. Thanks.

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[-=sT3V3=-]

I previously have had issues with the shifter rod bushes/rubbers causing stiffness.

if you disconnect the links from the gearbox does all move with ease?

[Sean Trollope]

I also thought so but it is still stiff with them disconnected.

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[Sean Trollope]

Oh I should probably mention That it doesn't always do this and it is mostly in and out of 4th but the others do it to.

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[PapaJo]

Was gearbox reconditioned at some stage? Problem could be at the selector cage if the same stiffness is experienced with links removed and lever moved by hand on gearbox.

[Sean Trollope]

Not that I know of. It's also highly unlikely as I'm the second owner of the car and the old lady who had it before me didn't drive much so the car has pretty low mileage for its age(not always good)

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[VAG Fan]

With the linkages removed, what exactly is still stiff?
The gear lever inside the car, or the selector lever(s) on the gearbox?

[Sean Trollope]

The selector on the box.

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