Disgusting gearbox noise!

Hi all,


When reversing there has always been a loud rattling/squealing kinda noise but last night whilst driving home there was an intense downpour with A LOT of 'up-spray'.

As soon as water was getting underneath the gearbox the whole thing started making the same horrible noise when I'm slowing down or at stop.

It sounds like it's struggling and as this is my daily I'd really appreciate it if anyone has any ideas they could fire over asap!


Thanks, Rory


91' 1.8 Mk1 Cabriolet

First of all I would drop the oil out of the gearbox and replace, If there's an excessive amount of debris in the oil, then your most likely looking at either a gear box rebuild or a replacment unit.

This site is amazing for any gearbox related work:

Welcome to BrokeVW.com

Cheers mate,

I'll have a crack at that as soon as I can.

Don't suppose you've worked this out my box dis the same this
Morning except I wasn't in gear and I was rolling ?

I get that sometimes as well. When i put the clutch down above 50ish it makes the rattling/gargling/tortured noise. I've never had it out of gear though  :dontknow:

I'm gonna change the oil at the weekend, I'll update whether it makes a difference or not.

gti_da said

Don't suppose you've worked this out my box dis the same this
Morning except I wasn't in gear and I was rolling ?

Sorry for the late reply. Drained the oil and put new in. The noise isn't as frequent now and when it does happen it's a lot deeper sounding. So I guess I've just covered something up that is making the noise.

Your problem could be clutch related, but I would think at the very least your gearbox will need the push rod bearings replacing.  It doesnt look that bad of a job to do tho, think I would have a go.