Differential and axle problem

There is a problem in '81 gti differential and i cant solve it. when gear isnt notr ( gear is in 1st gear)  lift up car and keep left axle and try turn, there was few cm clearance. i mean axle is turning but when i do samething right, it doesnt turn. I think left axle isnt normal. I changed left  inner cv joint but problem continue.  This problem make a situation that when i drive car, i take out my foot from gas pedal suddenly or  press gas pedal suddenly, car engine or something shaking very strong . I hope somebody understand what i mean and  know where is problem and which part/s i will need.  Thanks.

Any idea  ??

sounds like your diff bearings are shot to me

rubjonny said

sounds like your diff bearings are shot to me

you mean diff. bearing need to be changed ?  i supposed problem is the gear but i dont know which gear. coz axle is turning when its 1st gear.
have you diff. inside pic  Rubjonny ?

is it an 020 rod shift? if so:
Welcome to BrokeVW.com

I had the same problem with jerkyness on/off throttle, when i took the box out i found the diff cups had lots of play side to side as well as rotational. once box was stripped it was clear the diff bearings were badly scored.

drain the oil, if it comes out metallic brown this is a Bad Thing

i think its  020. Car is '81 mk1 gti and has FM code gearbox.
if oil is brown ? what this mean ?

if the oil is brown, that just means its old and dirty, repalce. but if its metallic brown this is bad, the metal flake is from the gearbox internals. metalic flake is only a good thing in your paint job

in fact i dont know oil is brown or metallic coz i dont put it out.  I dont suppose oil make turn axle anormal. Possible one of gear or any part need to change ,maybe wear out. But i dont know which one. I cant explainthe problem good coz of my poor English but i hope you understand what i mean Rubjonny.

changing the oil can help with certain issues, but you are correct it wont help you fix the play in the diff! I just meant if you drain the box oil and see that it is metalic, then you know for sure your gearbox is not healthy

have a look at the broke website above,  this tells you how to strip the gearbox and rebuild, plus has the specifications for shimming the gears and shafts.

If it looks too scary for you, just get another gearbox that is good!

thanks Rubjonny. i'll try .