Loose Gearbox

[mUNKI]

Hi I own a Mk2 Golf 89.
The gear box is so loose that it will go into reverse without pushing down. This is a particular problem for my girlfriend as she is a new driver. I have a Haines manual and have looked to see if this is an easy fix. I think it might just be aspring but am unsure - can anyone shed any light on this problem?
CHeers
James

[Boardboy]

There is a spring that needs to be compressed to get reverse. If you lift the gaiter up from around the gear lever I think you can see it. I had to change it on my MK II GTI. It was a long time ago and I am struggling to remember (old age!). I brought a kit with bushes & springs from a local VW specialist. It was a bit fiddly and I needed a hand to hold the gear lever in place whilist I tightened the clamps up in the engine bay. Sorry I can't be more helpful like I said it was a while ago.
Regards Boardboy.

[mUNKI]

Great that doesn't sound too hard!
So all this can be done from the cab and I don't need to ramp it for any reason?
Regards

[Boardboy]

You can withdraw the gear lever from inside the car. I should have mentioned make a witness mark on any of the linkages that you disturbe, so you have got an idea of where they were.
Good Luck
Boardboy.

[Boardboy]

I have just sold my Golf and whilist going through all the old receipts I have found the one for the gear lever repair kit. It was from a VW specialist but but it has a VAG referance number if this is any help.

191 798 116 Gear Lever Repair Kit.
171 798 211 Bush kit Gear Lever.

Regards Boardboy