Protective Plate for Deviating Shaft ????? Should I have one??????

Just been dismantling & cleaning my gear change linkages on my 1983 GTi.

I note on the parts list a "Protective Plate for Deviating Shaft" part 171711081 - but I don't have one fitted - should I??????????????


ITEM 4 in the diagram

 

you should have one yes, but its not a massive deal. just a heat shield for the gear linkage, keep an eye out for one but its not like your car will explode without it

Thanks for that rubjonny

I will flat tell you it wasn't on my 81 diesel I bought new in 80, nor my 90 cabriolet,,, Don't need it on my Automatics.  

Not got one on my 83 GTi....

Interesting. My 83 GLI cabrio had one, its just a piece of thin steel bent to an L shape with a hole drilled into it so not hard to make if need be

I don't have one on my 83 GTi tintop and pretty sure it was all original down there before I stripped it

Thanks for all the advice.  Seems most never had it.