1.2TDI shift quality?

[Joakim]

Hi

I have not only one 1.2TDI but three, and they all are in the range of 250000-350000km age.

The gearshifts are often very noticeable, both audioable and to some extent by a small force feeling.

It is very different from a typical manually shifted std manual car which is totally smooth (unless the synchronizers are worn).

What should be expected from a 1.2TDI in really good condition?

Was the shifts un-noticeable when the cars were new?

Bearbeitet 6. September 2023 von Joakim

[Mankmil]

vor 2 Stunden schrieb Joakim:

Was the shifts un-noticeable when the cars were new?

The cars don't need to be new for a smooth shifting. Relevant is the condition of the driving shafts and the gear actuator. Mainly that there is minimal backlash in the mechanic.
If the car is in good condition it shifts similar to a modern "DSG" gearbox except of the gear change speed. The 3L gear changes take a little longer than modern DSG do but it is possible to recognize gear changes by hearing the engine turns change only.

[Lupo_3L]

Since few of us will have the car from new, here my experiences with different 3L.

I once overhauled a 3L transmission with 450tkm and after the overhaul, where also some synchronous rings were exchanged due to wear, the shifting was absolutely quiet!

Until a few thousand kilometers into it, they began to become louder again. After 50tkm I change the transmission oil from Castrol to Motul automatic transmission and from that on, they became quiet again, plus the reverse gear was engaged immediately and not after a few seconds like before.

 One shall not forget that the automated transmission will engage the gears with force and not by the feeling of the hands like in a manual transmission.

Therefore it will be crucial to have a good transmission fluid that will support the work of the synchronous rings.

The Motul oil was the ATF VI and I can highly recommend it!

[Joakim]

vor 2 Stunden schrieb Mankmil:

The cars don't need to be new for a smooth shifting. Relevant is the condition of the driving shafts and the gear actuator. Mainly that there is minimal backlash in the mechanic.
If the car is in good condition it shifts similar to a modern "DSG" gearbox except of the gear change speed. The 3L gear changes take a little longer than modern DSG do but it is possible to recognize gear changes by hearing the engine turns change only.

Good news, it seems then that my cars could improve. I really would like a shift quality like that.

Speaking of backlash (or mechanical play), it should be quite important then to assure the outer driveshaft joints really are well glued to the hub?

[Joakim]

vor 2 Stunden schrieb Lupo_3L:

Since few of us will have the car from new, here my experiences with different 3L.

I once overhauled a 3L transmission with 450tkm and after the overhaul, where also some synchronous rings were exchanged due to wear, the shifting was absolutely quiet!

Until a few thousand kilometers into it, they began to become louder again. After 50tkm I change the transmission oil from Castrol to Motul automatic transmission and from that on, they became quiet again, plus the reverse gear was engaged immediately and not after a few seconds like before.

 One shall not forget that the automated transmission will engage the gears with force and not by the feeling of the hands like in a manual transmission.

Therefore it will be crucial to have a good transmission fluid that will support the work of the synchronous rings.

The Motul oil was the ATF VI and I can highly recommend it!

Thanks, interesting to read. Was it possible to change synch rings without a full set of gearbox special tools, or was it left to specialists in your case?

[Lupo_3L]

I left it to a specialist. He had almost hundred used Polo transmissions where he sacrificed the good synchronous rings for a good price.

But the difference in noise was noticeable.