got a golf 1.4 1998 model and even when the clutch is fully pressed, the gears dont go in really smoothly, it was pretty much like this when the car was bought 5-6 months ago. when i do the same thing on a golf 1.6 2001 the gears go in effortlessly even a baby could put them in.

is the clutch possibly at fault?

 not sure stick it in 5th and see if it pulls at all,

It could be something to do with the gearbox, sometimes the synchromesh (?) needs to be alligned.......something like that anyways.....

mine is notchy sometimes in 1st/2nd too...

i dont actually think that the whole clutch is fu*ked coz theres no problems when the car is in any gear its nice and smooth but just like you said in 1st/2nd its a bit stiff. how big a job is the alignment thingy and cost

thanks

Not too sure on thos costing,

try having a read through here:

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/p/145462/966568.aspx#966568

thx

so is the syncromesh thingy aligning the cable then because when the car is in 2nd gear the gearknob kinda shakes slighty so it must be the cable that needs to be tightened?

ok just found out the syncromesh is completely different but anywayz what about the cable

i think it is that cable thing, i dunno why i came out with synchromesh

take it to a local mechanic and see if they can sort it, get a few quotes though....i cant see it being that much....

its not really that much of a big problem really just that i would like it to be as smooth as a bi*tch if you know what i mean im gonna try the cable thing and see what happens, it wouldnt do any more harm than good would it?