gear linkage help!

[Brave]

Hi guys, need a bit of help on my gear linkage.
is there a way to lock it in and set it? or is it just trial and error? (the rod at the bottom under the steering rack)
I keep adjusting and i cant seem to find a good spot where i can find all gears.
there is play in the linkage, and under the car, the big ball next to the rod i am adjusting on slops about all over the shop.
i cant see this metal ball grinding down and becoming smaller, so am i missing something in there that should hold it tighter?
i know this is a crappy explanation but i didnt take any photos.




thanks

[mark1gls]

The metal ball you are talking about should have rubber wrapped around it which makes it bigger so there is less play.
It should look like this, there is 2 types so make sure you order the right type I bought mine from a VW dealer and I think it was cheaper than VW heritage so shop around.
http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Gea ... 379355.htm

guide here (Mk1 golf the same set up) Pages 5 and 6 for the metal ball and last page for setting up the rod but I think I set mine to have a gap of 14mm not 19mm but will check the Haynes manual tonight as the info is in there.
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/index.php?page= ... &id=42%2F2

[ianaudia4]

Last time I did this (at a show for someone else!), I used a 15mm socket as a guide, with mazellan holding it whilst I tighten the nut up from underneath, worked at treat afterwards.

[Nate]

I've bodged the ball in the past by slipping an off cut of coolant hose over it, or by wrapping it in insulting tape