Golf MK1 selecting 1st gear/reverse issues

[Citi 007]

Hi guys,

So another golf 1/citi gear linkage issue.

I replaced the orange shifter bush underneath the car and the other bushes are ok. So replacing the orange bush resolved the excessive play on the gear lever and now i can get second gear fairly easily. I can get all gears.

The issue that remains is that it takes some careful movements and patience to select first gear. If i select first gear quickly the car goes into reverse without pushing the gear lever down at all, pulling up on the gear lever while selecting first doesnt help either.

Is this a linkage alignment issue or is it something to do with the gear lever itself?

Cheers for looking.

[Tashveer]

That for sure is a linkage alignment issue bud.

[Unobeat]

My friend always before he selected 1st gear, he would go 2nd then 1st gear.

[NakataStijo]

You need to set them properly it takes patience.

[Supervan II]

That for sure is a linkage alignment issue bud.

For sure!

[175SBU]

That for sure is a linkage alignment issue bud.

For sure!

What they said

[panic-mechanic]

Much easier on th lift. Will adjust for you when we see the car.

[Citi 007]

Thanks Stephan, just checking if i needed to fit the other bushes or i need another part before coming to you.

See you next week

[panic-mechanic]

Bring them along if you have them.

[caddyken]

hi Guys I have a vw golf 1 which is having difficulty getting into reverse, however if I change from the engine bay it takes reverse with no hassles... what could be the problem. Thanks

[Huzi022]

@Citi 007 this might be your issue...my car was doing the same...goodluck finding just the bush...i had to source a used shaft

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[DJ7]

hi Guys I have a vw golf 1 which is having difficulty getting into reverse, however if I change from the engine bay it takes reverse with no hassles... what could be the problem. Thanks

Also sounds like a linkages issue.

[DJ7]

@Citi 007 this might be your issue...my car was doing the same...goodluck finding just the bush...i had to source a used shaft

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Think his issue was resolved a while ago, as he posted it in 2016. Might help the next person though.

[Huzi022]

@Citi 007 this might be your issue...my car was doing the same...goodluck finding just the bush...i had to source a used shaft

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Think his issue was resolved a while ago, as he posted it in 2016. Might help the next person though.

see so, for some reason taptalk sent the notification yesterday only hahaha

[DJ7]

Lmao, these things happen bro.

[Huzi022]

Lmao, these things happen bro.

oh well, like you said bud, at least someone else can benefit haha

[Freego]

Hi guys I got a similar problem I got a Mk1 golf whenever I try to select reverse gear I get first gear or sometimes even third gear....what would the problem be....

[Jetta2]

Hi guys I got a similar problem I got a Mk1 golf whenever I try to select reverse gear I get first gear or sometimes even third gear....what would the problem be....

Did you read any of the posts in this thread?
If not, maybe you should.

[caddyken]

Hi Guys I have put in a new clutch kit and flywheel on my golf 1. After it was installed the reverse gear is now grinding and clutch peddle is hard... what would cause this as I never had this problem prior to me changing the clutch. Thanks

[Juann]

Here in 2025!It helped me today, don't worry your good bud