Grinding shift

[mdcar]

My '73 Super grinds when I try to put it in gear.  Even if it doesn't grind it is extremely difficult to put in or get out of gear. All of the electrical connections have been checked and tightened as has the gear selector itself.  Fuse also has been checked and replaced. Did notice that the clutch engaged on an infrequent basis when pushing on the gear selector.  When it shifted properly there used to be a vacuum sound that was like a horn when the car was shut off.  The sound is now like an air copmressor hissing.  I'm not sure if that makes a difference.  Thed car shifts semi o.k. when driving, its just that I'm afraid anymore to put it into first or reverse at startup.  Anything?

[johnr]

I had the same problem!  You may well have a bad servo.
I had to shift mine real fast into gear as soon as I started the engine.
If I waited, it would just sit there and grind.  I have rebuilt the servo
and installed a new clutch.  I'm now putting everything back together and hoping for the best.  I got the servo kit from evwparts.com.
Good luck!

[bookwus]

Hiya md,

John had a good recommendation - your servo could well be on its way south.

However, there are two other areas to check out also.  Your vacuum hosing should be firm and strong.  Which is to say, not collapsing when a vacuum is applied.  And...........you need to check your clutch adjustment.  That procedure is outlined in your Bentley and is not difficult in itself.  However, the clutch adjusting sleeve/nut, located just to the rear of the servo, is very hard to get to.  It may require you to remove some other components (like the driver side heat exchanger) first.  But then, you'll need to do that anyway IF the problem is the servo.

My recommendation.........based on ease of doing..........
1.  Check the hosing and all of the connections first.
2.  Take a good look (inspect) the vacuum canister under the driver side rear fender.
3.  Try adjusting the clutch from the bottom of the car.  This can be done but it takes some contortion and patience.
4.  Pull the heat exchanger and check out the servo.

[mdcar]

Well I got it out and there is a tear about and inch long in the diaphram.  I plan to order the repair kit, but the shipping from evwparts is really high.  Anyone know of any other suppliers that might carry it?

Thanks for the help.

[volkenstein]

Cip1 in Cal might have them, but check whether they have any in stock.

www2.cip1.com

Volkenstein

[Crasher]

The parts I just had delivered from EVW cost just under $34 for shipping, still reasonable from the USA to England, where are you?

[Schillnuts]

mdcar,

Sounds like you have the same problem that I had earlier this summer/fall.  Car would not shift after being started unless put into park and then immediately into a gear afterward.  I found a guy who near me (well, about an hour and a half away) who has been working on bugs since the 60s and had him look at it, diagnosed the problem as a worn servo seal which was causing me to lose vaccuum and therefore causing the hard grinding shifts.  He replaced the servo with one he had on hand and gave me back the original.  My bug has been running like a dream since - except for a noise in the back, which I am thinking is either my CV joints or the wheel bearings.  Anywho, hope this provides some help.  Check out this string: http://www.volks.org/vwar/forum/viewtopic.php?t=433&sid=80628856e99a16922ee1cff7f28408ac

There is a lot of info and advice regarding grinding shifts.

Jason[/url]