VW Transporter T4 gear linkage brush

[tassie_devil]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum. I have a VW Transporter T4 96 model with non airbags 5lt manual.
I love my van, its great for camping and hauling stuff, but this week the gear stick went all wobbly/limp. I'm now stuck with only 3nd and 4th gears, no reverse and no 1st or 2nd. Not really fun when your up in the mountains in Tassie!

I've researched the issue online and also looked under the hood. It seems pretty similar to...

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f136/t4-gear-linkage-45491.html

except in my case its the brush on the left that seems to have gone.
See this photo...



I would like to order the part and try and fix myself as we are quite far from civilization and getting a tow would probably cost more than my van. Couple of questions....

1. As I have a 96 older shape model is the correct part number 701 711 166?
I found this diagram which looks exactly like mine...



however there is no official number for Part 53? Is it the same as Part 45 on the new diagrams such as below?



2. Where would you recommend I buy this part from? Should I just call VW Australia or is there somewhere online you would recommend?

3. Any tips or advice to changing this part? I've heard a pot of hot water to expand the brush helps.

Thanks for reading my post.
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

[Cousin]

Had the same thing happen in my 98 petrol T4, Tassie

I had a vee dub mechanic fix it, and if it's the same bush, it was a right b****h to replace, and they had a tool they made up for the job

Can't help you with part number, but best of luck with it



M

[transporterq]

I had the same thing happen on my 1995 T4 camper, phone the local RAA here in Adelaide, he knew his VW's and was able to wire it up, do not ask me how, until I was able to get my VW mechanic to fix it. From what he told me when I picked the van it, it was a cow of a job to do. Sorry, no idea as to what the part numbers are.

[tassie_devil]

Thanks Guys.
Sounds like a tricky job.

I like the idea of temporarily wiring it up. Either that or maybe I'll remove the whole gear linkage and bring that to the mechanic instead.

Much appreciated.
Will let you know how I get on.

[tassie_devil]

Quick update. Managed to find the part number at....

Online spareparts catalogue for AUDI/Volkswagen/Skoda/Seat
you have to register first, but after that you can find all the part numbers and see the diagrams. Pretty damn handy

Here a screenshot including the part numbers in question.


I'm going to email VIC Bayford VW and see if they can help me out.
The part broken does appear to be Part Number: 701711166.

Chris

[hitoriko]

Hi mate,

i got your email - this is quite a common problem on these transporters so dont fret i've emailed you a quote for the parts

thanks

Daniel

[Sunny43.5]

Hi Chris I recently transplanted two T4 engines and got a good eyeball on the linkage you describe , one of them has a nylon piece much like a socket and the ball joint at one end it has to be pushed in with a fair bit of force , maybe yours has just popped out ? . now the piece the lever fits into at the other end is like a bridging piece it unbolts easily to replace it also has a nylon piece inside as well . Now looking at your photo it seems that yours is like one of ours is it has a piece of heavy rubber tubing fitted and it appears all chewed out causing it to come out of the ball and socket at the front . Now the second of our two transplants had the same bridging piece with a rubber piece in it that did the same job but the shift has a real spongy feel to it but it does work perfectly . Hope this helps for a emergency fix . Howard

[tassie_devil]

Hi Guys,

Just a quick update.
After calling around to get quotes, Daniel at Bayford (and member on this forum) came through with the goods! Quick response, quick delivery and they were even cheaper than ordering from Tassie. Thanks Daniel

Howard, thanks for your ideas on this issue.
I tried to pop it back into place, but it appears that the brush that hold it in place is completely worn out.

I've been away with work recently, obviously not with my van. Toady I finally had a chance to unpack the package, check out the new parts I ordered and look under the hood and assess what needs to be done.

Parts Order:
701711166 - BUCHSE (bush)
7D0711131 - KUGEL (ball)
015311544 - KUGEL (ball)



As you can see from the photo I need to get the small ball (one attached to rod) inside the brush.
I've heard that putting the brush inside a pot of boiling water can help the process.
Think I might remove the rod/lever and arms so that I can push it on.

Hoping to have a go at it this weekend.
Will let you know how I get on.

Chris

[ScottyD]

Wooohoooo, thank you all for the fantastic input!!! I recently bought a 97 2.0 transporter. The previous owner told me that he had replaced the bushels. When I test drove it, first was very sticky, and he said that I would get used to it. Anyhow, over the past few weeks, it was giving me grief, as I felt that I could not rely on using first. The veh would engage third most of the time. So, I did some reading and after reading this info, found a whole lot more.. Armed with the info, I climbed under the veh to have a look. The bushels had been replaced, But, the gears had not been re-aligned... Too easy, popped all the covers off around the gear lever in the van, got 4 X 1cm pieces of wood.. Loosened the lever underneath the vehicle. Put the pieces of wood in and built a 4 way wedge to hold the lever dead centre. The hopped under and tightened it all up... It re-aligned perfectly.. I then greased up around a few of the moving parts under the veh, put the gear covers back and went for a drive... Smooth, no issues, nothing... I am not a mechanic, but am a techo... This info was priceless... Thank you all!!!!!!

[Sunny43.5]

Yes there are two parts that play up in the T4 the part on top of the actual gearbox is a known one , then as I found just prior to selling my sons T4 that the bush inside the bottom of the actual gear shift housing can wear and it makes selection real awkward . The shaft moves around and leaves assort of guess work to know what gear you are in . I was able to sleeve the shaft with a piece of nylon tubing and cable tie it into place , it made a huge difference with very precise gear selections .

[Ades]

I pulled the rod and bracket out then fitted the two together and then put the lot back into the car, a bit testing and great to do one stinking hot day, but I found it easier to do the job out side of the car and then put the lot back in, while you have it out check the rest of the bushes and replace them, you can buy a complete kit on Ebay from Europe for about 30 to 50 dollars. Mine is so sloppy it is ridiculous, so it is the next job on the cards.

[Umai Naa!!]

I've just done one on an ex-Ambo TDI AWD one.

My God, what a carnival that was. As it was fitted with rear aircon and heater, all that extra plumbing is right over the top of the gearbox. The AWD boxes all have an additional brace, that ties into the shift bush bracket, meaning the only way you can get the whole lot back in, is through the top, with the front end in the service position.

[Seano]

I've just done one on an ex-Ambo TDI AWD one.

My God, what a carnival that was. As it was fitted with rear aircon and heater, all that extra plumbing is right over the top of the gearbox. The AWD boxes all have an additional brace, that ties into the shift bush bracket, meaning the only way you can get the whole lot back in, is through the top, with the front end in the service position.

I remember that carnival. There's a mention of it in the stickie. No rear air con though!