I liken repairs on my van as being similar to extreme geriatric medicine.
It has 350,000 miles on it, and the dealer (C'back VW) often says, "We've
never heard of that part wearing out."  I wore a hole right through the back
side of the cup.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: Juha Koivisto <juha.koivisto@TEPCOMP.FI>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 1999 2:18 AM
Subject: Re: Shifter parts for Syncro

> Hi Brent
>
> I agree with Joel about those shifter parts to be replaced.
>
> Depending what you meant saying: 'I just had the linkages adjusted '..
>
> If they are really adjusted including changing worn out parts it is
ok..but
> if only adjusted I would suggest you (or your mechanic) to check still
some
> parts of linkages.  After changing those plastic parts there still might
be
> too much play.
>
> I haven't Bentley on hands so the names of these parts might be wrong  but
I
> think you understand.
>
> It is common if you have those shifter plastic parts worn out also the end
> 'cup' of the rear linkage rod does (I have seen some with hole at side).
It
> is made of casted aluminium or like.  This happens after the guarding
rubber
> 'boot' gets old and brokes in pieces => dust/sand gets in and keeps there.
> In some cases also the ball-headed linkage (ball going inside the 'cup')
> might also be worn.  But I think it is quite rare.
> BTW ball is made of plastic.. I wonder how plastic lasts and aluminium
> won't?
>
> Anyway these parts (don't know numbers) are quite cheap and worth of
> replacing if necessary.
>
> Juha Koivisto
> '88 Vanagon (Caravelle) 1,6TD (old school bus with 9 seats)
> TURKU, FINLAND
>