Linkage? synchros?

[5ktq]

I just picked up an '02 A4, with 1.8T and 01A 5 speed. 150k km, (something like 92k mi) on the odo.

First, and especially second, are a bit fussy going in, maybe a little moreso on a downshift to second vs a 1-2 upshift. There is no grinding or anything. Also the stick shakes a bit in 2nd when you're on it, vs third and up, which all work great. When shifting out of second, it feels like the selector hub wasn't as far on, compared to other gears, if that makes any sense. Like you have to move it less to disengage.

The stick does move a little when you get on / let off in all gears (ie the whole box is moving, I guess. new trans and snub mount, maybe..?).

Anyway, does this sound like a linkage problem and is there a guide how to adjust it, or is it more likely that something is screwy with the 1-2 hub/fork/synchros/etc internally? I guess I should pull the linkage off and see how the selector feels right at the box?

thanks for any suggestions

[jpulll]

Look into Fuchs trans fluid. may solve your problem. helped with my second gear problem. especially in the winter - amazing, the difference that fluid made.

Mounts may very well fix your issue too. I suggest those as well. keep in mind your shifter will still move a little under heavy on/off load.

[jonan]

change your snub mount and see if that makes a difference...it's a cheap easy fix...

the second time i changed my timing belt the snub mount crumbled to pieces like banana bread in my hands...

[Human Garbage]

I agree with jpull. You have no idea what is in the transmission now. It could be under filled and causing those issues (except the shaking, definitely time for a mount refresh). Do a fresh fill with some Fuchs Titan and see if your issues continue.

I just switched to the Fuchs Titan and have nothing but good things to say about it. Fantastic stuff. Appreciate all the good folks on here pointing me in that direction...

[5ktq]

It looks like there are a few, which did you use?

Sintofluid FE 75W (GL4, but doesn't seem to have the code of the OE oil on the back (G 052 911 ?))

There is also a 75W 85, but it looks like it is GL5 / so diffs only?

[jpulll]

You want the 75w90. ECSTuning sells it.

From what scotty@advanced automotive told me, the gl5 sintopoid is safe for these brass synchros. Scotty deals with a lot of 01A/01E trans.

[Mr.Avant]

An oil change is never a bad idea.

Chances are the oem rubber joint on the shifter linkage is starting to get loose and sloppy. Jhm makes a linkage upgrade (to go with the short throw shifter) from poly instead of rubber. That linkage joint made a noticeable difference in the movement and tightness of my gearbox. Would highly recommend.

The stabilizer bushing from jhm however, transfers a lot of noise/vibration through the shifter. Simply the linkage upgrade is enough to make a substantial improvement.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

[Human Garbage]

It looks like there are a few, which did you use?

Sintofluid FE 75W (GL4, but doesn't seem to have the code of the OE oil on the back (G 052 911 ?))

There is also a 75W 85, but it looks like it is GL5 / so diffs only?

Not the FE for the trans. That can be used for the diff however (I did at least). The 75W85 Sintofluid is rated at GL5, but as the guy I got mine from explained, it is a low sulfur formulation that won't eat your synchros. The bottle itself states it is a replacement for G052 911 A1/2 which is inline 5 and 6 speed Audi transmission gear oil. as you already know That was what sold me on what I was told verbally at least... The FE does not meet that standard as it isn't on that bottle (as you stated). I got mine for $17/litre for the Sintofluid and $24/litre for the FE (that is in Canukistani Pesos BTW- 25% more than real dollars) so it was even cheaper than OEM Castrol from the stealership. Bonus in my mind.

I only just switched. I wish I could advise on the long term performance, but so far so good. Some others running it will hopefully chime in...

[5ktq]

Have you had it in winter? With the 6+ months of winter I'm a bit concerned. I used some american-made castrol synthetic GL-4 in the past on my old 5000 quattro, and the winter performance was a lot worse vs the stock G 050, it seemed to me.

Where are you getting the 75W85 sintofluid in Canada? or did I misunderstand that.

[jayiszraw]

Run some auto rx in it for good measure. Help clean out any gunk ive had good experience with it.

[Human Garbage]

Have you had it in winter? With the 6+ months of winter I'm a bit concerned. I used some american-made castrol synthetic GL-4 in the past on my old 5000 quattro, and the winter performance was a lot worse vs the stock G 050, it seemed to me.

Where are you getting the 75W85 sintofluid in Canada? or did I misunderstand that.

No winter yet. I'll get back to you in a few months lol. It doesn't get obscenely cold where I am, but -20c is common enough.

And yes, I sourced it in Canada. It was a local (to my other pad) shop called A plus Auto (on Walsh St. in North Vancouver). Saw a CL ad for German OE fluids touting Fuchs they had by chance. Called them up and they had what I needed inside three hours. Can't complain at all! With tax six litres (4 trans, 2 diff) was ~$130CDN. OEM would have been closer to $200...

[FNK]

Transmission oil,
Mine acted pretty much like yours.
Replaced it with OEM G050 and voila, almost like new... well like its supposed to be.

After 500km it was better, after 5000km it is much much muuuch improoved. Some wear is present, but it's very good now.

I do not know about Fursh, but the OEM stuff is magic. (Forget the Pennzoil synchromesh & others, waste of time)