Introduction

The five-speed manual transmission, standard on the cars covered by this manual, is fully synchronized in all forward gears. A two-piece lightweight alloy case houses both the gear train and the final drive. As a unit, the transmission, the final drive, and the case are called the transaxle. From the transaxle, power is transmitted to the drive wheels by the drive axles and constant velocity joints. The service and repair of drive axles and constant velocity joints is covered in SUSPENSION AND STEERING.

The transaxle can be removed and installed without removing the engine, or the engine and transaxle can be removed as a unit, using the procedure given in ENGINE, and separated later.

Although complete procedures are given here for repair of internal transaxle components, these procedures require specialized knowledge and equipment. Significant expense may, however, be saved by removing and installing the transaxle, using the procedures described in this section. Once removed and cleaned, the transaxle can be taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealer or other qualified shop for repairs. A partially disassembled transaxle in a box is a mechanic's nightmare, and partial disassembly is not a way to save money. Do not attempt to begin a job which cannot be properly finished.