QuestionI am considering buying a 91 Passat. Runs fine, has had some work done, just one small problem. When you put the manual transmission in reverse it will only go a few feet, then pops out of reverse. Works great when going forward. Is it likely it needs a transmission rebuild? Thanks for your help.
AnswerHi Mike;
Yes the transmission is shot, at least reverse is. There is a "spur" gear that engages the gear that is also first, and makes the car back up. A good portion of one of the teeth on the reverse spur gear is eroded, for what ever reason. Abuse most likely. Anyway, it could have been accidental, but spur gears are very robust, very robust...elongate them, and they are every gear in a "Liberty 5-speed," or "Lenko," used at the drag strip in 3500 horsepower funny cars. To get to the gear the transmission case needs to be "split." That is an enormous undertaking. Buy a used transmission, with a warranty, like from a local, or not so local salvage company. Good luck, Mike.
