Adjusting the gear shift cables (1.4-/1.6-I engines) (VW Golf 4)

Before adjusting the shift cables, check that the gearbox, clutch and clutch control are in order. In addition, the shift lever should move smoothly and without jerking.

Execution order

1. Place the gearshift lever in neutral and apply the handbrake lever.

2. Detach and lift up the handbrake lever protective cover.



3. Loosen the clamp clamp mounting bolt (indicated by the arrow) on the gear shift rod.

4. The tie rod connection should move easily after loosening the clamp.



5. Loosen bolts (1 and 2) and press down on the bottom right side of the base (arrow) until it stops. Tighten bolt (1) to the specified torque.



6. Move the gear shift lever to the 5th gear position and install the VW-3421 adjusting gauge.



7. Move the gear shift lever to the 3rd–4th gear position.

8. Move the gearshift operating rod to the idle position and tighten the clamp mounting bolt to 25 Nm.

9. Remove the adjusting gauge.

10. Put the gear in reverse.

11. Loosen the bolt (1) and press the left side of the gearshift lever base down until it stops (see the figure in point 5). Tighten the bolts (1 and 2) to 25 Nm.

12. Check the smoothness of gear shifting, especially reverse gear.



13. If the gearshift mechanism does not operate clearly, make a more precise adjustment. Set the gearshift lever to the 1st gear position and check the gap (a), which should be 2 mm. Otherwise, loosen the bolts (1 and 2, see figure in p. 5) and set the required clearance. Tighten the mounting bolts to 25 Nm.