52 Audi a6 Tdi first gear selection problem

[homer75]

My 52 a6Tdi is sometimes a bit reluctant to go into first gear - I bled the clutch at the slave cylinder and the gearchange was great. I thought that was the problem fixed but it now seems to be back although not as bad. Should I pressure bleed it ? The clutch bites well at less than halfway up and there is no slip. Would changing the gearbox oil help ? The car has covered 104,000 miles lots of them motorway. Any suggestions appreciated.

[donn1901]

i'd take ya car 2 be looked @ as it sounds like 1st gear as prob gone and will need a new 1st gear. This can be expensive so shop around. If your in the west mids i recommend a1 clutches in tipton, not sure of the number but they are brilliant and cheap. I had this prob on saxo but it was 5th and reverse. think they only charged about 120 as they were on the same gear linkage inside the box.

[richtee]

Hi Homer, when you try to select reverse, with the car stationery, do you get any gear noise from the reverse gears? or reluctance to go into gear? if so, a sticking clutch plate is your problem. If not, I would suggest getting the linkage setup checked out- hope this helps.

[homer75]

Thanks for the replies - I think you got it richtee the car can be reluctant to go into reverse too. If i nudge it into 1st or reverse I can hear the gears spinning and starting to mesh if you know what I mean. Is there anything I can do about a sticky clutch plate apart from taking the gearbox out and fitting new parts ?

[TWR]

Try topping up the Gearbox.

[homer75]

Hi TWR . I topped up the box - it took quite a lot ( about 3/4 of a litre !) that seems to have solved the problem as the gearbox now stops turning when I press the clutch. There's no sign of any leaks or weeping from the seals so I'm wondering why it was low on oil - and should I change the gearbox oil at next service which is due soon ? Thanks for the help it's much appreciated.