Golf MkIII brakes & gear change

[Niges16V 0]

The wife is moaning about a stiff gearchange and the brakes not having much bite on her '96 1.8 Golf SE.

 

I've changed the fluid, disks & pads which improved overall braking but you really need to stand on then to get them to bite. I've driven a couple of other similar Golfs lately and they are just the same. I thought the C was meant to have poor brakes but they are fantastic in comparison, Any suggestions?

 

As for the gear change, it is the rod type linkage and feels very stiff. I've greased up the linkages ontop of the gearbox but can't figure out how to get to the rods. I figure a oil change is in order but any suggestions to other fixes greatly appreciated.

[Mike Edwards 0]

Try a new gearbox mounting.

 

They age and allow movement which destroys the shift quality

[Supercharged 2]

What are the rear brakes like - these can affect brake 'feel' - if you change the shoes also change the actual drum as well as these seem to corrode inside and make the brakes stick, you will also need new bearings...

 

To test if it is the rear brakes causing the issue try sticking the handbrake on halfway at about 60mph (slowly) to clean and release the brakes...

 

The front brakes on these are also too small IMO for a 1.8 - I assume you've used VAG pads and discs? - My mum has basically the same car and I've stuck Pagid FR's on the front (cheaper than VAG oem) and she noticed a much better bite and she dossn't brake hard at all!

 

Gear linkage - I usually 'clean' by blasting with WD40 then smoother with a handful of CL grease - the grease needs time to work its way in, you may see an improvement over the next couple of hundred miles...

[Niges16V 0]

Cheers boys, some good ideas. I'll be getting a new GB mount and checking out the drum brakes then.